Can we take the required post 70 1/2 IRA distribution entirely out of my IRA which is larger and leave my wife's IRA alone for this tax year?

[dmertz · Accepted solution]

No, that is not permitted.  IRAs are accounts owned by individuals.  Each individual must separately satisfy their own RMD by taking distributions from their own accounts.

[flamefiter43]

However, if your wife if not 70 1/2 years of age yet and HAS NOT started taking the required minimum distribution (RMD) then she is not compelled to take a distribution this year. If like "superuser" has indicated she has started her RMD last year or earlier, then she will have to take another RMD again this year.

[dmertz]

I interpreted the question as asking if wife's RMD could be satisfied by a distribution from husband's IRA, and the answer to that is No.

[SweetieJean]

So did I.

[flamefiter43]

Fair enough!