How are Required Minimum Distributions Computed. A required minimum distribution (“RMD”) is determined by dividing the account balance (as of the prior calendar year end) by the distribution period. For lifetime RMDs, there is a uniform distribution period for almost all IRA owners of the same age. The uniform distribution period table is based on the joint life and last survivor expectancy of an individual and a hypothetical beneficiary 10 years younger. However, if the IRA owner’s sole beneficiary is his/her spouse and the spouse is more than 10 years younger than the account owner, then a longer distribution period based upon the joint life and last survivor life expectancy of the IRA owner and spouse will apply. An IRA owner may, however, elect to take more than his/her RMD at any time.
How are Required Minimum Distributions Computed. The IRS recently issued new rules regarding how required minimum distributions (“RMDs”) are computed. These new distribution rules may be used for distributions taken in 2002 but must be used beginning for any RMD taken in years 2003 and thereafter. A RMD is determined by dividing the account balance (as of the prior calendar year end) by the distribution period. For lifetime RMDs, there is a uniform distribution period for almost all IRA owners of the same age. The uniform distribution period table is based on the joint life and last survivor expectancy of an individual and a hypothetical beneficiary 10 years younger. However, if the IRA owner’s sole beneficiary is his/her spouse and the spouse is more than 10 years younger than the account owner, then a longer distribution period based upon the joint life and last survivor life expectancy of the IRA owner and spouse will apply. An IRA owner may, however, elect to take more than his/her RMD at any time.
