Question on first RMD over age 70.5

[CBenefits]

I had a question on RMDs that I am getting confused with. If a participant over Age 70.5 (Age 76) terminates employment in April of 2018, would their first RMD be due April 2019 or December 2018?

[jpod]

An RMD is required for 2018, but as an exception to the normal rule it can be deferred until as late as April 1, 2019.  The RMD for 2019 must be received in 2019. 

[CBenefits]

Thanks. That's what I thought but had accountant telling me different during audit and wanted to be reassured before going back to them

[Tom Poje]

and as a reminder, suppose the first RMD is 10,000 and the second one is 12,000

so the difference is in taxes. do you want 10,000 in one year and 12,000 the next or

22,000 in one year. (but then if no longer working that might be the way to go)