Withholding Default on Roth IRA Elections

[Andy the Actuary]

Notice 2008-30 provides for permissive withholding on eligible IRA distributions that are converted to a Roth IRA.

Is anyone aware of whether the default is no withholding or a specified withholding? If a specified withholding, then what is the percentage?

In short, does the election form state that (a) no fit will be withheld unless you specify otherwise, or (b) fit of x% will be withheld unless you specifiy otherwise?

[GMK]

I'm told (and distribution forms I've seen confirm) that for IRA to Roth conversions, 10% is the default withholding, but you can elect otherwise, including 0%.

For plan distributions to a Roth, however, ..... ???

Is it correct that in a plan to Roth conversion, any withholding (not made up in to the Roth) is subject to the 10% early withdrawal penalty? If so, it's better to elect 0% withholding on the conversion and increase payroll withholding to cover it, if needed.