IRA 10% penalty exception for education

[Jesse]

Just looking for a nod of reassurance.

Qualified higher education expenses can be used to reduce the 10% penalty even if the student was not an at least half-time enrolled student, however, the student must be at least a half-time student for any room and board to be considered as qualified higher education expenses. Correct?

[solomon]

You are correct. The wording in §529(e) is "at least half time" in order for room and board to be a qualified education expense. §72(t) references §529 for the definition.

[Jesse]

Thank you!!