Methods for calculating 72 t distributions

Financial professionals often use a 72t calculator to calculate how much 72t IRA early withdrawal amount is for an individual. A 72t calculator is not a magic box that churns out a magic number of the amount of your IRA early withdrawal. There are methods of calculating 72 t distributions which are factored into a 72 t calculator.

What are the three methods for calculating 72t distributions?

Under Rule 72t, there are three approved methods for calculating the IRA early withdrawl amount that can be withdrawn from an IRA without penalty. Which 72t calculation method you choose depends on your individual situation. A 72t calculator should give you the option of the three mothods of calculating 72 t distributions.

1. 72t Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) Method

The 72t Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) method calculates the distribution amount based on your life expectancy (similar to the method used for calculating RMDs for persons 70½ or older). The annual 72t early distribution payment for each year is determined by dividing the IRA account balance for that year by the number from the chosen life expectancy table for that year.

Under the 72t Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) method:

• the account balance,
• the life expectancy from the chosen life expectancy table and
• the resulting annual payments are redetermined for each year.

The initial IRA early distribution amount will be smaller than using the other two 72t distribution calculation methods, but will increase each year as a percentage of the IRA account.

Note: Unlike when using the 72t Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) method for a person 70½ or older where the IRA owner can take out more than the minimum, the amount determined using the Section 72(t) RMD method is the exact amount that must be withdrawn.

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