Managing Your Account

Required Minimum Distributions

A Required Minimum Distribution (or RMD) is the amount of money you must withdraw from your tax-advantaged retirement account on an annual basis once you reach a certain age. 

However, the amount you need you to withdraw and when can vary based on your account type and date of birth.

person doing their required minimum distributions


Important Note for End-of-Year Distribution Requests

All distribution forms must be received by 11:59 p.m. on December 31 to be processed for that tax year, even if the actual distribution occurs later.

Any distribution requests received on, or after, January 1 will be processed for the year they are received.

For more information on how to complete the Distribution and Notice of Withholding Form, please see below. 

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Do I Need to Take a Required Minimum Distribution?

Minimum distribution rules apply to the following account types: 

  • Traditional IRA
  • SEP IRA
  • SIMPLE IRA
  • Solo 401(k)
  • Inherited IRAs
If you miss your annual Required Minimum Distribution (RMD), be aware that a 25% excise tax might apply to the amount not distributed. However, you may reduce this penalty to 10% if you take the missed RMD promptly and file a corrected tax return within the allotted time frame. For accurate guidance and to ensure you’re navigating these requirements effectively, consider consulting a knowledgeable CPA or tax advisor. This step can be crucial in managing your self-directed investments efficiently and staying on track for your financial goals. 
 

When Do I Need to Take My RMDs?

You are required to start taking RMD’s when you reach the age of 73. You have the option of delaying your first RMD until April 1st of the year after the year you turn 73. Every RMD after your first RMD must be taken by the end of the calendar year. If you choose to delay your 1st RMD you will take 2 RMDs in the calendar year you turn 74. 

Beginning Date for Your First RMD:

IRAs (including SEPs and SIMPLE IRAs)

  • April 1 of the year following the calendar year in which you reach age 73
  • After the first year, you are required to take your annual RMD within the calendar year
Solo 401(k)
  • Generally, April 1 following the later of the calendar year in which you:
    • reach age 73, or
    • retire (if your plan allows this)

How Much Do I Need to Withdraw?

The amount you are required to withdraw is based on your age and the value of all accounts that you have (not just your NDTCO accounts) as of December 31st. The withdrawal can be taken from any singular account or a combination of accounts. 

You utilize an RMD Calculator or reach out to your Financial Planner or CPA to help you determine the appropriate amount to withdraw. 

What Do I Need to Do to Take My Withdrawal?

Please complete our Distribution and Notice of Withholding Form.

If you are completing an in-kind distribution (taking an asset out of your account), please complete the Distribution and Notice of Withholding Form as soon as possible. This process can take quite some time. You will also need supporting documentation, depending on the asset class. 

If you need to sell Precious Metals to complete a cash distribution, please contact your source or dealer and determine a sales price with them. You can then complete our Sell Direction Letter and have your source send a purchase order to NDTCO.

If you need to sell or liquidate any other type of asset to complete a cash distribution, please contact the investment manager to initiate that process, then complete our Sell Direction Letter or Deposit Coupon as applicable for the funds that will be coming into your account.

Types of Supporting Documentation

  • Real Estate: an unsigned Quit Claim Deed assigning ownership over to your name instead of your IRAs. If you are taking a partial percentage of the property, then reach out to NDTCO to determine the proper titling for the deed. We also need an appraisal of the property. If you are under the age of 73, the appraisal will need to be within the past year. If you are 73 or older, the appraisal will need to be within the last three years. 
  • Private Equity: an updated Subscription Agreement from the company showing the updated investor as yourself instead of your IRA and a Fair Market Valuation with documentation submitted within the past year prior to the distribution. The FMV requirement is waived if the asset was purchased by your account within the past year prior to the distribution. 
  • Precious Metals: no supporting documentation is required, but NDTCO will send you a shipping quote for approval before instructing your depository to send the metals to your address on file.
  • Private Debt: a copy of the new note (with the borrower’s signature) showing your name as the new lender instead of the IRA’s naming convention. 

Required Minimum Distributions for an Inherited IRA

Required Minimum Distributions for Inherited IRAs are very complex and depend on a number of factors, including but not limited to: 

  • If the beneficiary is an individual or an entity (such as a Trust or Estate)
  • If the IRA owner died before the required beginning date, or died on or after the required beginning date
  • If the beneficiary is the surviving spouse or another individual
  • Whether the beneficiary is following the 5-year rule, the 10-year rule, or is taking life expectancy payments
We highly recommend consulting your Financial Planner or CPA for determining the appropriate RMDs for your unique situation.