new rules for 2005. conversion trad to roth ira

[Guest nmchigger]

spouse (age 48) inherited trad. ira. must take mandatory distribution this year from father's acct. I am considering converting my own trad. ira to a roth. Have read, beginning this year, that mandatory distributions do not count against $100k income limit for eligibility for conversion. Primary question is whether exclusion only applies to persons age 70 1/2 or older, or does it apply to an inherited mandatory distribution as well.

[Appleby]

The exclusion of the amount is tied in to the age 70 ½ rule- not RMD amounts attributed to inherited IRAs- IRC § 408A©(3)©(i)