And it's not quite as simple as taking a little cash out and calling it a day. If you don't take out enough, you'll be penalized by the IRS. Here's what you need to know to take your distributions wisely.
What is an RMD?
It's the mandated amount that must be taken from qualified retirement accounts, such as IRAs, starting in the calendar year that the owner turns 70½.
Who needs to take them?
Anyone who is older than 70½ with an IRA, SIMPLE IRA, SEP IRA, or retirement plan account like a 401(k).
Why do these requirements exist?
RMDs ensure that people don't just accumulate retirement assets to defer taxes and leave it to their heirs. That's why Roth IRAs are exempt from lifetime RMDs: They are filled with post-tax money, and no money needs to be taken out until the owner dies.
How much do I need to take?
That depends on the value of your accounts and your age. You can use the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table to do that calculation. If your spouse is more than 10 years younger, you would use the Joint Life Expectancy Table, which could lower your RMD. These tables and a worksheet are available at IRS.gov.
What about taxes?
If you used pretax money to fund your retirement account, this is the time that the government gets their bite. RMDs are considered to be ordinary income and are taxed accordingly.
Are there exceptions?
Yes. In the calendar year you turn 70½, you can defer your RMD until April 1 of the following year, but you will need to take a second RMD in that year.
If you are 70½ and still working and contributing to a 401(k) plan, you don't have to take an RMD until you retire. Also, since Roth IRAs are funded with post-tax money, withdrawals aren't required until the death of the owner.
What happens if I don't take an RMD?
If you don't take what the IRS tells you is required, the amount not withdrawn will be taxed at 50 percent.