Definition of "Required minimum distribution (rmd)"
Requirement that an individual must withdraw a minimum sum annually from retirement savings that have accumulated on a tax-deferred basis. This withdrawal must begin by April 1 of the year one reaches age 70 1/2 All deferred tax retirement savings plans (with the exception of the ROTH IRA) are subject to this rule to include the traditional individual RETIREMENT ACCOUNT (IRA), SIMPLIFIED EMPLOYEE PENSION (SEP), SAVINGS INCENTIVE MATCH PLAN FOR EMPLOYEES (SIMPLE PLANS), SECTION 401 (K) PLAN (SALARY REDUCTION PLAN), SECTION 403 (B) PLAN, QUALIFIED PENSION plan, and profit-sharing plan. Withdrawals may be made based on the individual's life expectancy or the joint life expectancy of the individual and the individual's oldest primary beneficiary. The steps for calculating the RMD are:
- determining the total market value of the retirement plan as of December 31 of the year prior to the retirement year.
- determining the life expectancy factor according to the Internal Revenue Service tables.
- dividing the value of the retirement plan by the life expectancy factor.
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