The 2020 RMD waiver is coming to an end. They begin again in 2021!
Jim Lorenzen, CFP®, AIF®
The headline says it all. But, this is a blog; so I guess I’d better elaborate a little.
RMDs do NOT apply to Roth IRA owners, unless it’s inherited.
If you take more than the required minimum distribution, that’s not a problem; but, distributions of less than the required amount will result in a penalty: 50% of the RMD shortfall! For example, if your RMD for 2021 is $25,000 and you take only $20,000, you’ll still have to take the $5,000 remainder and the IRS will take 50% of that shortfall amount: $2,500… money you could have used to buy more masks.
There’s a new age for taking RMDs, brought on by The SECURE Act, which I’ve covered in a couple of previous posts. See The Game Changer and this overview. Those two posts should bring you up to speed for most issues.
By the way, if an IRA was inherited in 2020, including a Roth IRA, an RMD must be taken for 2021 if the beneficiary is an eligible designated beneficiary is taking distribution over his/her life expectancy. There are rules and exceptions, so be sure to get professional guidance. IRAs inherited in 2021 and forward come under the 10-year rule, covered in the above previous posts.
RMD penalties are high and requesting waivers can result in headaches. It’s best to do it right instead of having to do it over.
Jim
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Jim Lorenzen is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional and An Accredited Investment Fiduciary® in his 21st year of private practice as Founding Principal of The Independent Financial Group, a fee-based registered investment advisor with clients located in New York, Florida, and California. He is also licensed for insurance as an independent agent under California license 0C00742. IFG helps specializes in crafting wealth design strategies around life goals by using a proven planning process coupled with a cost-conscious objective and non-conflicted risk management philosophy.
Opinions expressed are those of the author. The Independent Financial Group does not provide legal or tax advice and nothing contained herein should be construed as securities or investment advice, nor an opinion regarding the appropriateness of any investment to the individual reader. The general information provided should not be acted upon without obtaining specific legal, tax, and investment advice from an appropriate licensed professional.
