What Is A Distribution From A Retirement Plan? 
Any time that you take money out of a retirement plan , it is considered a distribution . Depending upon the tax status of the plan , a distribution will usually trigger a tax event . Although the taxation issue is complex you need to understand that when you withdraw money from your retirement plan , even if it is a guaranteed monthly income , it is likely that taxes are going to be due on some portion of the distribution . The only exception is a plan that has been organized under Roth legislation . 