10 Smart Steps to Minimize Taxes and Penalties on Your RMDs

After you turn age 70½, you need to start taking required minimum distributions from your IRAs and 401(k)s every year.

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After you turn age 70½, you need to start taking required minimum distributions from your IRAs and 401(k)s every year. But the calculations and rules can be complicated, and you’ll be hit with a penalty if you make mistakes.

Here are 10 smart RMD moves to help you minimize taxes, meet deadlines and avoid penalties when you make these mandatory withdrawals from your retirement savings.

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.