The amount of the minimum distribution is actuarily determined, based on the recipient's life expectancy.

Congress, in December 2008, passed legislation suspending, for 2009 only, the requirement of minimum distributions.

But at the back end you are much better off, because not only will withdrawals be tax-free, but there is no minimum annual distribution required.

The report is due January 31 of the year in which the minimum distribution is required.

The financial institution will notify the participant by January 31 of each year when a minimum distribution is required.

There is an exception to minimum distribution for people still working once they reach that age.

Required minimum distributions apply to both pretax and after-tax Roth contributions.

The same penalty applies to the failure to make the minimum distribution.

The minimum distribution is based on the account's balance on Dec. 31 of the previous year.

You have to take another minimum distribution by Dec. 31 of that year; after that, one annual withdrawal is required.