72(t) Payments and Inherited IRAs: Today’s Slott Report Mailbag

Thursday, October 21, 2021

By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF®
IRA Analyst
Follow Us on Twitter: @theslottreport

Question:

My situation is as follows: I am 56 years old and have an IRA which I have been taking SEPP/72(t) payments since 2008. I have not yet taken my distribution in 2021. I recently received a finding of disability from SSA which has been assigned an onset date in September 2020. Back pay will only be for Feb-Apr of 2021, so nothing effects prior tax years. Can I suspend/stop my SEPP/72(t)?

Thanks

Drew

Answer:

Drew,

Yes, a 72(t) payment schedule can be stopped due to a legitimate and long-term disability. However, the definition of disability is strict. It must qualify under IRS guidelines spelled out in Internal Revenue Code Section 72(m)(7). The IRA owner must truly fit the definition of disabled. For example, being “retired on disability” may not necessarily meet the requirements.

Question:

Hello IRA Gurus,

I have a straightforward IRA RMD question but have not been able to find a written answer that is exactly on point. I am hoping you can help. I inherited both a traditional and a Roth IRA from my sister several years ago. I am the only beneficiary. Do I have to take RMDs from each, or can I lump the total balances as of Dec 31 and withdraw only from the traditional IRA?

Much thanks,

Sally

Answer:

Sally,

In this case, each RMD (required minimum distribution) must be taken from the applicable inherited account. Only RMDs from the same type of inherited IRA and from the same decedent can be aggregated. Even though both of these inherited IRAs came from your sister, one is a traditional IRA and one is a Roth. Since they are different types of IRAs, despite coming from the same decedent, the RMDs cannot be aggregated.

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