Hi Sunnybank.  Thank you ~ I was generalizing & only thinking about the sale of my EEDG stock in the future w/$$$ signs in my eyes

Yes, you may withdraw your contributions to a Roth @ any time for any reason tax free.  However, it is still my understanding that to make tax-free "qualified distributions" of investment earnings & distributions are only considered "qualified" if: @ least 5 yrs. must have passed since your 1st contribution and that you must be @ least 59-1/2 yrs. old.  There are other criteria other than age that can also affect withdrawals.  These are, I believe:  disability, purchase or rebuilding of a 1st home & the big one ~ death.  Maybe there are more?

For myself, I was advised by the retirement dept. @ TDA where I have my Roth & from a good friend who is also my tax accountant.  Anyway, just some (general) info if anyone is considering a Roth.

EEDG$$$