Yes. Since you are 79, I am assuming you turned 70.5 before January 1, 2020. This means, you would have needed to start taking your RMD then and continue to take it every year after. The exception to this would be if your retirement plan is through your current employer and you do not own more than 5% of the company. Then you may delay the RMD. It does not apply to any other plans that you may have, only the one through your current employer.
If you have never taken the RMD, you will need to file form 5329 for each of the years you were required to take it. The IRS can impose a 25% excise tax penalty on the amount that should have been withdrawn. If you make a correction within 2 years, the penalty may be reduced to 10%.
It would be recommended to see a tax professional to help you get this situated if you did not take any RMD over the last several years.
If you are asking because you just went back to work at 79 and are unsure if that is a reason to not take it...for IRAs and former employer plans, employment status does not matter; RMDs are based on age. To be compliant and avoid the penalty, you need to make the withdrawal before December 31st of the tax year.
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