PERAC Memo #32 - 2011: Age 70½ Distribution
Age 70½ Distribution
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This memo reminds boards of the G.L. c. 32, §12D requirement that non-retired, non-employed members who reach age 70½ must begin receiving distributions by April 1 of the following year, and provides a sample notification letter boards can send to affected members. Boards should mail notices (recommended in December, with a March 1, 2012 response deadline for 2010 age-70½ attainees) urging members to contact the board for counseling rather than sending full form packets, follow up with non-responders, and may also consider proactively notifying members at age 69 to help ensure timely compliance and optimal rollover options.
Full Text
MEMORANDUM #32, 2011
Gregory R. Mennis
M E M O R A N D U M
TO: All Retirement Boards
FROM: Joseph E. Connarton, Executive Director
RE: Age 70½ Distribution
DATE: November 23, 2011
As you know, G.L. c. 32, § 12D brought the Massachusetts Retirement Systems into compliance with the federal
requirement that persons who attain age 70½, who are not receiving a retirement allowance and who are not employed
must begin taking a distribution from the System by April 1 of the year following the year they attain age 70½.
Attached is a sample letter that Boards can use to advise affected members of this requirement.
The options available to these members can be quite complicated, especially those provisions that apply to rollovers.
As a result, we are suggesting that the members be urged to contact the Board for counseling. We do not suggest that
a set of all of the possible forms be sent to members without either formal counseling or a specific request.
The distribution to all persons who have attained age 70½ during calendar year 2010 must be made by April 1, 2012,
so we recommend that the notices be sent out in December with a return date of March 1, 2012 in order to allow time
for processing of payments. Boards may wish to send follow-up notices or make other efforts to contact members who
do not respond in a timely manner.
Your Board may wish to send notification to members in the year they reach age 69 advising them of their upcoming
required minimum distribution deadline and urging them to promptly apply for benefits in order to avoid tax penalties
and to ensure they have the most favorable opportunity for rollovers.
If you have questions, please feel free to contact Judith Corrigan at 617-666-4446 ext. 904.
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