Taking Required Minimum Distributions From Simplified Employee Pensions
The RMD rules for these retirement accounts for the self-employed are the same as for traditional IRAs.
I’m self-employed and have a simplified employee pension. Do I need to take a required minimum distribution from my SEP like I would from a traditional IRA? If so, can I take it from any IRA?
The required minimum distribution rules for SEPs are the same as they are for traditional IRAs: You must start taking withdrawals at age 70½ -- although you have until April 1 of the year after you turn age 70½ for the first withdrawal, then you must take required withdrawals by December 31 every year after that.
You must calculate the required amount separately for each IRA, including traditional IRAs, rollover IRAs, SEP IRAs and Simple IRAs (Roth IRAs aren't subject to RMDs). But you can add up the RMDs from all of those accounts and take the withdrawals from one or any combination of those accounts, says Maura Cassidy, director of retirement for Fidelity Investments.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
For more information about RMDs, see our Required Minimum Distributions special report.
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

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.
-
A Lesson From the School of Rock About the MarketsIt's hard to hold your nerve during a downturn, but next time the markets take a tumble, remember this quick rock 'n' roll tutorial and aim to stay invested.
-
I retired at 65 with $7.8 million and feel like I over-saved. My 40-something son is on the same path. Should I tell him to reconsider?We ask financial experts for advice.
-
Getting Out of an RMD Penaltyretirement When your brokerage firm miscalculates your required minimum distributions, you have recourse.
-
Borrowers Get More Time to Repay 401(k) Loansretirement If you leave your job while you have an outstanding 401(k) loan, Uncle Sam now gives you extra time to repay it -- thanks to the new tax law.
-
It’s Not Too Late to Boost Retirement Savings for 2018retirement Some retirement accounts will accept contributions for 2018 up until the April tax deadline.
-
How to Correct a Mistake on Your RMDs from IRAsretirement If you didn't take out the correct required minimum distribution because your brokerage firm made a mistake, the IRS may show some leniency.
-
Making the Most of a Health Savings Account Once You Turn Age 65Making Your Money Last You’ll face a stiff penalty and taxes if you tap your health savings account for non-medical expenses before the age of 65. After that, the rules change.
-
Reporting Charitable IRA Distributions on Tax Returns Can Be ConfusingIRAs Taxpayers need to be careful when reporting charitable gifts from their IRA on their tax returns, or they may end up overpaying Uncle Sam.
-
Make the Most of the New Military Retirement Planretirement The government is offering a new retirement option so that service members who leave the military before qualifying for a pension can still receive some benefits.
-
How Changes in Income Affect Medicare PremiumsMedicare Medicare beneficiaries can see their premiums go up if their income rises, although for some that increase will be only temporary.