Required Minimum Distributions for the Self-Employed

Some workers must take RMDs from their retirement accounts at age 70 ½; others can wait.

I'm self-employed and have a solo 401(k). Will I need to take RMDs from my 401(k) if I'm still working in this job after age 70½?

You generally don't need to take required minimum distributions from your 401(k) if you're still working at 70½, but there is an exception: You must start taking RMDs even while working if you own more than 5% of the company. Because you're self-employed and are the sole owner of the company with the solo 401(k), you'll need to start taking RMDs starting at age 70½.

If you are not still working at 70½, you must follow the same RMD rules as with regular 401(k)s -- that is, you generally must start taking required minimum distributions at age 70½. With any 401(k), you can delay taking the first RMD until April 1 of the year after you turn 70½. Every year after that, you must take RMDs by December 31.

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For more information about RMDs, see our Required Minimum Distributions special report.

Kimberly Lankford
Contributing Editor, Kiplinger's Personal Finance

As the "Ask Kim" columnist for Kiplinger's Personal Finance, Lankford receives hundreds of personal finance questions from readers every month. She is the author of Rescue Your Financial Life (McGraw-Hill, 2003), The Insurance Maze: How You Can Save Money on Insurance -- and Still Get the Coverage You Need (Kaplan, 2006), Kiplinger's Ask Kim for Money Smart Solutions (Kaplan, 2007) and The Kiplinger/BBB Personal Finance Guide for Military Families. She is frequently featured as a financial expert on television and radio, including NBC's Today Show, CNN, CNBC and National Public Radio.