Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)

Retirees are required to take required minimum distributions from IRAs and 401(k)s after age 70½. Follow these guidelines to make sure you withdraw the right amount.

But you can direct up to $100,000 of your annual distribution to charity.

After you reach age 70½, you must start withdrawing money from your account. Here's what you need to know.

Here's what you need to know about when you have to start taking mandatory withdrawals.

The tax man forces you to take payouts from your retirement accounts.

These three potential problems can be avoided.

<p>The chance to skip a required minimum distribution in 2009 may open up other opportunities.</p>

You don't have to take required minimum distributions from an IRA or 401(k) this year -- so let your account manager know if you want automatic withdrawals to stop.

The break doesn't apply to people who have until April to make their 2008 required withdrawals.

Don't take your required payout yet because the government might change the rules for 2008.

Once you reach a certain age, you have to withdraw money from your account or face a penalty.

If you don't withdraw the right amount of money -- and do so by the deadline -- you'll be hit with a big penalty.