Q. Must an individual wait until the date he or she reaches age 70½ to take his or her first required minimum distribution? Or can the RMD be taken as soon as the year starts?
Rev. 03/14/08, E-mail Alert 2008-3, Revised 10/10/08 E-mail Alert 2008-13

A. The RMD may be taken at any time during the year in which the individual attains age 70½. The IRS calls this the first distribution calendar year and the RMD for the first distribution calendar year may be taken at any time from January 1 of the year the individual becomes age 70½ until the Required Beginning Date (generally by April 1 of the year after the year age 70½ is reached, or if still working and not a 5% owner, by April 1 of the year after the year of retirement).