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The IRS gives investors a pretty good deal with IRAs. The IRS will let you defer taxes on anything you put into an IRA but at some point they're going to want their money. That's why they created the minimum required distribution. Based on your age and the balance in your accounts, there is a minimum amount that needs to be withdrawn from your IRA every year once you reach age 70 ½. Otherwise, you'll incur a penalty.

The rules around calculating your minimum required distribution can get a little hairy so if you're unsure or need a little help you might want to consult an accountant. If you're ready to tackle it yourself, read on.

First, to calculate your RMD you'll need to consider that balance in ALL of your IRA accounts for the end of the previous year. For example, if you're calculating your minimum distribution for 2011, you'll need to look at the total IRA balance as of the end of 2010. The IRS doesn't care about individual accounts; just all the money you have under the IRA umbrella.

Second, grab a copy of IRS Publication 590. This will give you the government's life expectancy tables. You'll need to know – for IRA distribution purposes at least – how long the government expects you to live.

Now, you're ready to calculate. Take your total IRA balance at the end of the previous year and divide it by your life expectancy. As an example, if you have a total balance of $1 million dollars and you have a life expectancy of 17.4 years, your minimum required distribution will be $57,471. Next year, you'll do it all over again with a new balance number and a new life expectancy.

Keep in mind that minimum required distributions do not apply for Roth IRA accounts. Generally speaking, you'll need to make a required minimum distribution from all other retirement accounts.

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Q: How To Calculate Minimum Required Distributions From An IRA?
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Related questions

When did required minimum distributions begin?

Is 401k IRA


Are minimum required distributions applicable to Roth Ira's?

1974-1975


Are IRA distributions taxable?

It depends on the type of IRA you have. Distributions from a traditional IRA are taxable. Distributions from a Roth IRA are not taxable.


How can the rmd calculator help in finance and investing?

This calculator can help you figure out the amount of distributions you must withdraw from your 401K retirement or IRA account after you reach age 70.5. You can find a calculator like this at this link: http://individual.troweprice.com/public/Retail/Retirement/Required-Minimum-Distributions/Calculate-My-RMD/RMD-Calculator


Do you include IRA single premium immediate annuities into a required minimum distribution calculation?

Single premium immediate annuity payouts (monthly or annual) from an IRA account automatically satisfy the IRS required minimum distribution rule. The annuity payouts are calculated based on life expectancy tables, just as RMD distributions are. The total of the IRA/SPIA account can therefore be excluded from the RMD calculation. Of course, ordinary income tax rates must be applied to the IRA SPIA distributions, as they are to any IRA distribution(s). CC, ChFc


How old does a person have to be to start withdrawing from their IRA?

With an IRA one can make qualified withdrawals from the age of 59.5 years. However, one must start taking withdrawals that are classified "required minimum distributions" from 70.5 years of age, the amount to be withdrawn depends on how much has been put into the account.


IRA Required Minimum Distribution?

form_title= IRA Required Minimum Distribution form_header= Distribute your IRA. Do you currently have an IRA open?*= () Yes () No What is your previous year end balance?*= _ [50] What type of retirement plan do you have?*= _ [50]


Are Roth IRA's subject to minimum required distributions?

No. Because you contribute after-tax dollars, you have already paid taxes on the money and there is really no reason that the government would want to mandate distributions. On traditional IRAs, required minimum distributions begin at age 70 1/2 for the rest of your life. Because you invested pre-tax, the government doesn't get their cut until you make distributions. Thus, if you haven't done this by 70 1/2, you are forced to begin taking out a certain percentage.


At what age can a person no longer contribute to a traditional IRA?

There is no age limit for contributing to a traditional IRA, as long as the individual has earned income. However, individuals must start taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) from their traditional IRA starting at age 72 (previously 70 ½).


Where can one find the information about 'Roth IRA Distributions' online?

Information pertaining to Roth IRA distributions can be found online at the Investopedia and the Roth IRA website. Both websites provide valid information pertaining to his or her Roth IRA Distributions.


Are all Ira distributions taxable?

Ah, the world of taxes can be a happy little cloud or a stormy sky, but let's focus on the good. Generally, traditional IRA distributions are taxable as ordinary income, while Roth IRA distributions may be tax-free if certain conditions are met. Remember, each person's tax situation is unique, so it's always best to consult with a tax professional to ensure you're making the right decisions for your financial canvas.


Can the mandatory withdrawal be rolled over into a ROTH IRA?

If you are referring to the Minimum Required Distribution from a traditional IRA or 401k, the answer is no.