We've been getting a lot of inquiries on the new MRD rules for 2009 and received a frequent question. Fortunately, a recent issue of the Wall Street Journal provides the answer:

If I turned 70½  in 2008 and had planned to take my first withdrawal by the April 1, 2009 deadline, does the new law permit me to skip it?

A: No. The law suspends distributions only for 2009. Although first-timers are allowed to delay 2008's distribution until April 1, 2009, the withdrawal still counts toward your obligation for 2008, Mr. Slott says. So, if you turned 70½ in 2008 and decided to wait until April 1, 2009, to make your first withdrawal, that deadline still applies. To calculate this distribution, you would use your account balance as of Dec. 31, 2007.