Tax-deferred is investment or interest earnings that accumulate tax-free until withdrawn and distributed to the investor. Tax-deferred does not mean Tax-free. Withdrawals of tax deferred or deductible contributions and all tax-deferred earnings will be taxed as ordinary income at time of distribution. Withdrawals prior to age 59½ may be subject to a 10% tax penalty; mandatory distribution requirements (i.e., age 73 for most people) may reduce computed accumulations.