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Can NUA in employer stock count towards an RMD?

“Can the portion of a distribution from a 401(k) plan that takes advantage of NUA tax treatment be used to satisfy the receiving participant’s RMD for the year?”

ERISA consultants at the Retirement Learning Center Resource Desk regularly receive calls from financial advisors on a broad array of technical topics related to IRAs and qualified retirement plans.  We bring Case of the Week to you to highlight the most relevant topics affecting your business. A recent call with an advisor in Colorado is representative of a common inquiry involving net unrealized appreciation (NUA) and required minimum distributions (RMDs).

Highlights of discussion

  1. Amounts returned to a participant to correct plan excesses;
  2. Loans treated as deemed distributions;
  3. The cost of life insurance coverage (i.e., PS 58 costs);
  4. Dividends on employer securities; and
  5. Other similar amounts as deemed by the IRS and published in the Internal Revenue Bulletin from time to time.

Conclusion                                                   

The IRS is clear that NUA on employer securities is a distribution amount that a plan participant may count toward satisfying his or her RMD for the year.