@turbineinfo wrote:
May I add, the verbiage such a “must” or “required” seem to refer to the latest possible time to enact an RMD. I’ve found nothing that discusses the earliest possible time when a distribution can count as an RMD.
The earliest time to count as an RMD is when you are required to take a minimum distribution.
I wrote this up for you about taking Distributions and RMD and QCD. Hope it helps and explains it more.
You can take a distribution any time. But if you are under 59 1/2 there is a 10% Early Withdrawal Penalty unless you have an exception.
IRAs and the RMD (Required Minimum Distribution) originally started in 1974. You had to start taking the RMD by the end of the year you turned 70 1/2. But they have been pushing the starting year back as people get older. A distribution will only count as an RMD when you are required to start taking it. Other than that a RMD is just like a regular distribution. The RMD is not noted or broken out on your tax return unless you didn't take the full amount RMD.
You can start making QCD (Qualified charitable distributions) when you turn 70 1/2. See IRS Pub 590-B page 13. The max you can exclude from taxes is $100,000 for each spouse. I think it goes up to 105,000 for 2025. A QCD will count towards your RMD when you reach the age to start taking the RMD.
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p590b.pdf
To determine the RMD you need to use the worksheet on 590-B page 46 or 47 and the Life expectancy tables starting on page 48.
