Required Minimum Distribution

The IRS requires that owners of retirement plans such as traditional IRAs (individual retirement accounts) start taking minimum distributions or withdrawals from their plans by April 1st of the year that follows the time at which they turn 70.5 years of age. The required minimum distributions are then made each of the following years. The amount of the required minimum distribution is based on the fair market value of the plan at the end of the prior year, and the assumed distribution period which is based on life expectancy given the person's current age. Required minimum distributions apply to a broad range of retirement plans including: 401(k); 403(b); 457(b); Roth 401(k); SIMPLE IRA; SEPs, and; SARSEPs. Roth IRAs are excluded from this requirement while the owner is still alive.