I have corresponded with the TSP in regard to their calculation of my RMD and their policy to exclude the use of the Joint Life and Last Survivor Expectancy Table in RMD calculations. They indicted that they have the "authority to create plan rules that govern payments from the TSP" and that "TSP may pay a monthly payment that exceeds the RMD amount than what is required by the IRC or IRS regulations." They cite the size of the TSP and difficulty in obtaining and verifying the spouse and other beneficiary information necessary to calculate RMDs using the Joint Life and Last Survivor Expectancy Table. I understand that the TSP can force participants to take distributions that exceed the correct RMD. I do not believe that the TSP is following 25 CFR Section1.401(c)(2)(i) IRS rules for calculating RMDs for participants who have a sole beneficiary spouse that is 10 years or more younger. The IRS guidance indicates that the RMD recipient is ultimately responsible for calculating and withdrawing the correct RMD amount. I intend to make an indirect rollover to a traditional IRA with the excess RMD distribution amount .
