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How to Annuitize an IRAHow to Annuitize an IRA

The minimum distribution rules present some challenges

Natalie B. Choate, Of Counsel

June 1, 2012

12 Min Read
How to Annuitize an IRA

Turning your individual retirement account into a stream of guaranteed retirement income poses challenges under the minimum distribution rules. The Internal Revenue Service is working to minimize those challenges (most recently by blessing longevity annuities) within the confines of Internal Revenue Code Section 401(a)(9).

Annuity vs. MRD 

Frank, age 70, wants to convert his $1 million IRA1 (currently invested in mutual funds) into a lifelong stream of guaranteed income payments. In short, he wants to annuitize his IRA.2 An insurance company has agreed to take Frank’s $1 million and, in exchange, promises to pay him $6,600 a month for the rest of his life. Following the trade, his IRA’s only asset will be this single-life annuity contract.

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About the Author

Natalie B. Choate

Of Counsel

http://www.nutter.com/

Natalie B. Choate is an Of Counsel in the Trusts and Estates Department. Her practice is limited to estate planning for retirement benefits. Her two books, Life and Death Planning for Retirement Benefits and The QPRT Manual, are leading resources for estate planning professionals.

Natalie is the founder and former chair of the Boston Bar Estate Planning Committee; a former chair of the Boston Bar Employee Benefits Committee; and a member and former officer of the Boston Probate and Estate Planning Forum. She is a fellow and former Regent of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel and former chairman of its Employee Benefits Committee. Named “Estate Planner of the Year” by the Boston Estate Planning Council, Natalie is listed in The Best Lawyers in America. The National Association of Estate Planners and Councils has awarded Natalie the “Distinguished Accredited Estate Planner” designation.

Her articles on estate planning topics have been published in ACTEC Notes, Estate Planning, Trusts and Estates, Tax Practitioners Journal and Tax Management. She is an editorial advisor for Trusts and Estatesmagazine. She writes a web column and “podcast” for MorningstarAdvisor.com

Natalie has taught professional-level courses in estate planning in 49 states, and has spoken at the Heckerling, Notre Dame, Heart of America, New England, Southern California, Mississippi, Tennessee, Washington State and Southern Federal Tax Institutes. Her comments on estate and retirement planning have been quoted in The Wall Street Journal, Money, Newsweek, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, Forbes, Financial Planning, Financial World and The New York Times.