Based on what I have read from several sources, the legislation to be voted on tomorrow by the House (and which should be signed by the President shortly thereafter) includes a "holiday" for RMDs. No RMDs will be required during calendar year 2020. I've yet to read the "fine print", but, if true, folks required to withdraw RMDs this calendar year will be on the retirees' equivalent of Spring Break.
For those taking RMDs from matured or maturing IRA CDs, it might not be of huge importance. It depends, I suppose, on your ladder. That said, for those taking RMDs from stock/bond portfolios, in whole or in part, it could be quite beneficial. Such a retiree would not be forced to sell into a down market to satisfy the RMD.
As always, the devil's in the details, but I expect further guidance from the popular financial press on "tips and strategies" as the year goes on.
Personally, I'm going ahead with my RMDs for 2020, as they are coming solely from MMFs at Vanguard and Schwab. Gotta pay the bills. Besides, the yields on said MMFs are just north of 1.2%; Not in my long-term bucket strategy list.
Stay safe.
Yours,
Bozo
