Understanding Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
Understanding how to manage your finances in retirement is crucial, and one key concept you should be familiar with is Required Minimum Distributions, or RMDs. Let’s delve into what RMDs are, how they’re calculated, and what happens if you don’t take them on time. Whether you’re nearing retirement or planning for the future, this knowledge can help you save on taxes and penalties.
What Are Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)?
RMDs are the minimum amounts you must withdraw from your retirement accounts each year, starting the year you turn age 72 (or 70½ if you reached this age before January 1, 2020). The rules apply to employer-sponsored retirement plans, including 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, 457 plans, profit-sharing plans, and other defined contribution plans. They also apply to traditional IRAs, SEP IRAs, and SIMPLE IRAs, but not to Roth IRAs while the owner is alive.
Why Do RMDs Exist?
The government allows your retirement savings to grow tax-deferred, meaning you don’t pay taxes on the growth until you withdraw it. This is intended to help you save for retirement. However, since the IRS doesn’t want to wait indefinitely to collect its due taxes, RMDs ensure that account holders eventually pay taxes on their retirement savings.
How are RMDs Calculated?
Calculating your RMD involves a few steps. You need your age, the balance in your retirement accounts as of December 31 of the previous year, and a life expectancy factor from the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table or the Joint Life and Last Survivor Table if your spouse is more than 10 years younger than you and is the sole beneficiary of your account.
Life Expectancy Tables and Distribution Period
To get started:
1. Find your age on the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table.
2. Note the distribution period next to your age—this is the IRS’s estimate of how many years you have left to live.
3. Divide the total balance of your retirement account as of December 31 of the previous year by this distribution period.
The result is your RMD for the year.
An Example
If you’re 75 years old, and the balance in your retirement accounts on December 31 was $100,000, you would look at the Uniform Lifetime Table and see your distribution period is 22.9 years. Divide $100,000 by 22.9, and you get approximately $4,366.38, which is the amount you’d need to withdraw for the year.
When Must You Take Your RMDs?
You typically must take your first RMD by April 1 of the year following the calendar year in which you turn 72 (again, it’s 70½ if you reached that age before January 1, 2020). For each subsequent year, you must take your RMD by December 31. Be aware that if you delay your first RMD until April, you’ll have to take two distributions in that year—one for the year you turned 72 and one for the current year—which could bump you into a higher tax bracket.
What Happens If You Don’t Take Your RMD?
It’s essential to make sure you take your RMDs. If you don’t, the amount not withdrawn is taxed at an excessive rate of 50%. For instance, if your RMD was $4,000 and you failed to withdraw it, you would owe the IRS $2,000.
Strategies to Take Your RMD Efficiently
Keeping on top of your withdrawals requires a little planning. Here are some strategies to stay compliant and minimize your tax liability:
– Set up an automatic withdrawal plan with your financial institution.
– Consider taking periodic distributions throughout the year to spread out the tax burden.
– Consult with a financial planner or tax professional to integrate your RMDs into your overall retirement plan.
Can You Reinvest Your RMD?
Yes, you can reinvest your RMD in a taxable account if you don’t need the funds for living expenses. While you must pay taxes on the distribution, you’re free to reinvest it however you choose—stocks, bonds, real estate, or any other investment vehicle that suits your long-term financial goals.
Are There Exceptions to the RMD Rules?
Certain scenarios allow for exceptions to the RMD rules. For example, if you’re still working at 72 and you don’t own more than 5% of the company that employs you, you might be able to delay RMDs from your current employer’s retirement plan until retirement. This “still working” exception, however, does not apply to IRAs or plans from previous employers.
Recent Changes to RMD Rules
Legislation such as the SECURE Act and the CARES Act can affect RMD rules. For example, the SECURE Act raised the starting age for RMDs from 70½ to 72 for individuals who turned 70½ on or after January 1, 2020. The CARES Act waived RMDs for the year 2020 to provide financial relief during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Finishing Thoughts
Understanding RMDs can make a significant difference in how you manage your retirement savings. Staying informed about your RMDs ensures you avoid hefty penalties and can help with tax planning. Make sure to mark your calendar, consult with professionals, and consider your distribution strategy annually to keep your retirement finances in the best shape possible. Remember, though retirement is about relaxation, taking care of these financial responsibilities will ensure that you can enjoy your hard-earned money with peace of mind.
