Hello,

I know the standard RMD withdrawal deadline is by December 31st each year. But is there any problem if I take them before April 15th of the following year? (ie., the same approach allowed for making annual IRA deposits, for example). I wish to wait until after the first of the year to assess performance on my fixed index annuities before deciding which one(s) to take my withdrawals from.

thanks.....

as yu know, once you reach ago 70½, you should begin taking a rmd out of your IRA every year. In most cases, the deadline for taking your annual Required RMD, is Dec.31. The exception to this deadline, is provided you are making your very first RMD this year. To be exact and in this case it really matters the deadline for this first withdrawal is April 1 of the year after you reach 70½.Say, you turned 70 in may of 2013, that means you are 70½ in nov2013. Thus, you have until apr 1, 2014 to take your 2013 RMD. After your first withdrawal, each subsequent one must be completed no later than Dec. 31 of that year. If you qualify to delay taking your initial RMD until April, you will have to take two withdrawals next year the one for 2013 and the one for 2014. If you missed the RMD deadline, the first thing you need to do is withdraw the required amount as quickly as possible. The minimum you have to take out of the IRA depends on several factors, such as whether it is your account or, your marital status, etc.In most cases, the custodian of the IRA will help you calculate the amount.