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There are three ways to calculate 72(t) distributions.
The Minimum Distribution Method is calculated the same way as required minimum distributions when account owners reach their required beginning distribution date. This method will generally produce the lowest annual 72(t) payments since it is based on the longest life expectancy. The required minimum distribution method consists of an account balance and a life expectancy (single life or uniform life or joint life and last survivor each using the age(s) attained in the year for which distributions are calculated). The annual payment is redetermined for each year.
This is the simplest of methods to calculate and allows seniors to take advantage of growth in their accounts and create larger payments in future years. However, a decline in the IRA balance will reduce future 72(t) distributions.
The Fixed Amortization Method consists of an account balance amortized over a specified number of years equal to life expectancy (single life or uniform life or joint life and last survivor) and a rate of interest that is not more than 120 percent of the federal midterm rate published in revenue rulings by the Service. Once an annual distribution amount is calculated under this fixed method, the same dollar amount must be distributed in subsequent years.
This produces higher payments than the Minimum Distribution Method and gives some security in that the payments are fixed. But the calculation is complicated and there is the risk that the payments will not keep pace with inflation, or the account will not be able to sustain the payments if there is a significant downturn in the market.
The Fixed Annuitization Method
This consists of an account balance, an annuity factor, and an annual payment. The age annuity factor is calculated based on the mortality table in Appendix B of Rev. Rul. 2002-62 and a rate of interest that is not more than 120 percent of the federal mid-term rate published in revenue rulings by the Service. Once an annual distribution amount is calculated under this fixed method, the same dollar amount must be distributed under this method in subsequent years.
The federal mid-term rates may be found at the IRA website: http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=112482,00.html
This method may at times provide the largest payments, depending on the size of the account and interest rates used. And like the amortization method, the payments are fixed.
Example
Harold is 50-years-old, has an IRA that is worth $400,000 (end of year), and wants to take income from the account without paying the 10% penalty. His advisor will use 4.5% as 120% of the federal mid-term rate and the single life expectancy table to calculate his distribution options.
Required Minimum Distribution Method
The annual distribution amount ($11,695.91) is calculated by dividing the end of year account balance ($400,000) by the single life expectancy (34.2).
$400,000/34.2 = $11,695.91
For subsequent years, the annual distribution amount will be calculated by dividing the account balance as of December 31 of the prior year by the single life expectancy obtained from the same single life expectancy table using the age attained in the year for which distributions are calculated. For example, if Harold’s IRA account balance, after the first distribution has been paid, is $408,304 on December 31, the annual distribution amount for next year ($12,261.38) is calculated by dividing the December 31 account balance ($408,304) by the single life expectancy (33.3) obtained when an age of 51 is used.
$408,304/33.3 = $12,261.38
Fixed Amortization Method
For the first year, the annual distribution amount will be calculated by amortizing the account balance ($400,000) over a number of years equal to Harold’s single life expectancy (34.2) when an age of 50 is used at a rate of interest equal to 4.5%. If an end-of-year payment is calculated, then the annual distribution amount is $23,134.27. Once an annual distribution amount is calculated under this fixed method, the same amount will be distributed under this method in subsequent years.
Fixed Annuitization Method
Under this method, the annual distribution amount is equal to the account balance ($400,000) divided by the cost of an annuity factor that would provide one dollar per year over Harold’s life, beginning at age 50 (i.e. the actuarial present value of an annuity of one dollar a year payable for the life of a 50 year old). The age 50 annuity factor (17.462) is calculated based on the mortality table in Appendix B of Rev. Rul. 2002-62 and an interest rate of 4.5%. Such calculations would normally be made by an actuary.
The annual distribution amount is calculated as $400,000/17.462 = $22,906.88
Once an annual distribution amount is calculated under this fixed method, the same amount will be distributed under this method in subsequent years.
Example
Heather has $1 million in her IRA, is 57, and wants to retire. She’ll have enough to live on once Social Security starts at age 62. However, until that time, she will need an additional $12,000 per year to meet her living expenses. The IRA is her only investment asset. But she doesn’t want to pay the 10% penalty on early withdrawals for the next 2½ years. How much should Heather convert for Section 72(t) distributions?
The three distribution options would require that Heather commit the following amounts for Section 72(t) distributions:
Minimum Distribution Method—$334,800
Fixed Amortization Method—$188,520
Fixed Annuitization Method—$189,600
Since Heather does not want to withdraw any more than necessary, segregating $188,520 and using the Fixed Amortization Method for Section 72(t) distributions is the most desirable strategy. This will give her $12,000 per year for five years until her Social Security begins.
Plus she’ll have the flexibility to take money from her other IRAs without paying the 10% penalty after she turns 59½.
