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When it comes to Modified Endowment Contracts (MECs), any gains that are withdrawn before the contract owner reaches the age of 59 ½ are subject to specific tax implications. The correct answer indicates that gains incurring a 10% penalty is a key aspect of MECs.

This penalty is designed to discourage early withdrawals and preserve the intended long-term savings strategy associated with such contracts. In addition to the 10% penalty, any gains on those withdrawals would also be taxed as ordinary income. This dual layer—penalty plus ordinary income tax—aims to ensure that funds are utilized for the intended purposes of insurance and retirement savings, rather than being accessed prematurely.

Therefore, the understanding of the tax consequences and the penalty associated with early withdrawals from a MEC is crucial for financial planning and management of retirement funds. This reflects broader principles in taxation related to retirement accounts and insurance products, underscoring the importance of long-term investment strategies.