Understanding Required Minimum Distributions - Part II

In an earlier post, we reviewed the basics of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). In this post, we will continue the discussion with some rules about RMDs and mistakes to avoid when you have multiple retirement accounts.

In particular, it is important to note the type of retirement account in question. For 401(k) and 457(b) accounts, RMD must be calculated for and taken from each individual account. However, for 403(b) and IRA accounts, RMD must be calculated for each individual account, but the IRS allows individuals to take the collective total from one or more of the accounts.

Understanding Required Minimum Distributions - Part I

If you have an account in a qualified retirement plan, you need to understand that one day you will be forced to take withdrawals from your account whether you want to or not. For many this is not a significant concern as these accounts were designed to provide their income in retirement and they are or will withdraw more than enough from them to satisfy the rules. Either way, we will cover some of the basics about Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) along with some key considerations.

Required Minimum Distributions, as already stated, apply to employer sponsored retirement plans including 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), and profit-sharing plans. RMD also applies to traditional IRAs and IRA-based plans such as SEPs, SARSEPs and SIMPLE IRAs.