Dow Incorporated Employees & RMDs: What You Need to Know Before Age 73
'Dow Incorporated employees can stay ahead of required minimum distributions by planning early and thoughtfully coordinating withdrawals with their broader retirement income goals.' — Michael Corgiat, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
'Dow Incorporated employees can benefit from understanding RMD rules early so they can thoughtfully incorporate withdrawals into a long-term income plan that fits their personal goals and timing.' — Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.
In this article, we will discuss:
When and how required minimum distributions (RMDs) must be taken.
Which retirement accounts are subject to RMD rules.
Strategies to thoughtfully use RMD withdrawals in retirement.
Under IRS rules, required minimum distributions (RMDs) begin at age 73 for those born between 1951 and 1959. Under these rules, you must take out a specific amount of money annually from tax-deferred retirement plans, such as IRAs, 401(k)s, and 403(b)s, once you turn 73. Answers to common questions are provided below to help you move forward confidently.
What is a required minimum distribution (RMD)?
A required minimum distribution (RMD) is a set amount of money that the IRS mandates you withdraw each year from your tax-deferred retirement accounts beginning at age 73, including accounts you may have contributed to while working for Dow Incorporated.
When do I have to take my RMD?
Every year on December 31, your RMD must be taken. You can wait until April 1 of the year after your 73rd birthday to take your first RMD—but only your first. Delaying may result in taking two RMDs in the same year, which could increase your taxable income.
If I keep working, do I still need to take an RMD?
If you continue working past age 73 and remain in an employer-sponsored plan with your current employer, you may be able to delay RMDs from that account if:
- You are still actively employed
- You own no more than 5% of the company
- The employer plan permits delayed RMDs
This applies only to the plan with your current employer—not to IRAs or plans from former employers.
How is my RMD calculated?
Your RMD is generally calculated by dividing your retirement account balance as of December 31 of the previous year by a life-expectancy factor published by the IRS. The IRS Uniform Lifetime Table is typically used unless a spouse more than 10 years younger is the sole beneficiary.
What can I do with my RMD once I take it?
It helps to think through your options before withdrawing your RMD. For example, Dow Incorporated professionals may:
Invest it: Place funds into a taxable investment account or contribute to a 529 plan (if eligible)
Spend it: Apply funds to retirement lifestyle needs
Gift it: Use a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly from an IRA, which can satisfy RMD rules starting at age 70½ and is excluded from taxable income. For 2025, QCDs may reach up to
$108,000 per person
1
Which accounts require RMDs?
RMDs generally apply to:
- Most 401(k) and 403(b) plans
- Traditional, rollover, SIMPLE, and SEP IRAs
- Certain small business retirement accounts
Roth accounts in workplace plans—like a Roth 401(k)—do not require RMDs for the original owner starting in 2024. Beneficiaries of inherited Roth accounts may still need to withdraw funds.
What if I inherit an IRA?
Many general RMD rules still apply to inherited accounts. Your required withdrawal schedule depends on your relationship to the original account owner and applicable IRS inheritance rules.
Can I take all my RMDs from one account?
It depends on the account type:
IRAs: Can be aggregated and withdrawn from one or multiple IRA accounts
403(b)s: May be aggregated but calculated separately
401(k)s: Must be calculated
and
withdrawn from each account individually—including any Dow Incorporated balance still held
Extra withdrawals do not count toward future years’ RMDs.
Are RMDs taxed?
Yes. RMDs are taxed as ordinary income and may be subject to both federal and state income taxes. Taking two RMDs in one year, often caused by delaying the first, can increase your taxable income.
Need help creating your RMD strategy?
Understanding RMDs can influence how you structure your retirement income—especially for Dow Incorporated employees shifting from workplace plans to personal withdrawal strategies. The Retirement Group can help you build an approach that aligns with your situation. Call us at
(800) 900-5867
to get started.
5. Myers, Elizabeth A.
Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) Rules for Original Owners of Retirement Accounts.
Congressional Research Service, 29 Aug. 2024,
www.congress.gov/crs-product/IF12750
.
How does The Dow Chemical Company’s pension plan structure impact an employee's retirement benefits when considering different retirement ages? The Dow Chemical Company offers various options in its pension plan, and understanding these can significantly affect financial planning for retirement. An employee must weigh the benefits of retiring earlier with potentially lower monthly payments against the advantages of working longer and how this aligns with personal retirement goals and expectations.
The Dow Chemical Company’s pension plan and retirement ages: The Dow Chemical Company’s pension plan structure impacts employees' retirement benefits based on their retirement age. Retiring earlier results in lower monthly payments due to reduced service time and potential early commencement penalties, while working longer allows for more service accrual and higher monthly benefits. Employees must evaluate how these factors align with personal retirement goals, as choosing to retire early might not provide as much financial security as delaying retirement(The Dow Chemical Compan…).
What are the implications of the 20% mandatory withholding tax on lump-sum distributions from The Dow Chemical Company's pension plan, and how does the option to roll over affect an employee’s tax situation? Employees taking lump-sum distributions need to be cautious about this withholding rule as it can impact their immediate financial needs. Additionally, the rollover option provides a strategy to defer taxes, which can be crucial for long-term financial health. Employees should consider how to best utilize these rules in their personal financial planning.
20% mandatory withholding tax on lump-sum distributions: Lump-sum distributions from The Dow Chemical Company’s pension plan are subject to a 20% mandatory withholding tax if not directly rolled over into another qualified retirement plan. This tax can significantly impact an employee's immediate finances. However, opting to roll over the lump sum to a qualified plan defers taxation until funds are withdrawn, allowing employees to manage their tax liabilities better while continuing to grow their retirement savings(The Dow Chemical Compan…).
How does The Dow Chemical Company ensure that employees understand their eligibility for retirement benefits based on various service and age criteria? Eligibility considerations based on service years and age can significantly influence the retirement timeline for employees. Moreover, it’s essential for employees to be well-informed about these factors to make educated decisions pertaining to their retirement and whether adjustments to their career plans are needed for maximizing benefits.
Eligibility for retirement benefits: The Dow Chemical Company outlines eligibility for pension benefits based on a combination of service years and age. Typically, employees become vested after three years of service or upon reaching age 65 while still employed. The company ensures that employees are informed about these eligibility criteria through various resources, such as the Dow Benefits Service Center, enabling them to make informed retirement decisions(The Dow Chemical Compan…).
In what ways can employees of The Dow Chemical Company appeal decisions regarding their pension benefits, and what processes are in place to facilitate these appeals? The appeal process is critical for employees who might feel that their benefits have not been administered correctly. Understanding the correct procedures and having access to the right resources can empower employees to effectively advocate for themselves in the face of administrative decisions.
Appealing pension benefit decisions: If employees believe there has been an error in the administration of their pension benefits, The Dow Chemical Company provides a formal appeal process. Employees can file a claim, and if denied, they have the right to appeal the decision. The Retirement Board oversees these appeals, and employees must follow the outlined procedures for their appeal to be considered(The Dow Chemical Compan…).
What strategies can employees of The Dow Chemical Company employ to maximize their pension benefits while transitioning to retirement? Employees must navigate complexities such as contribution limits, benefit formulas, and personal retirement savings. A strategic approach, which includes understanding the timing of retirement and how it interacts with pension claims, can lead to more favorable financial outcomes in their retirement years.
Maximizing pension benefits: Employees at The Dow Chemical Company can maximize their pension benefits by carefully planning their retirement timing. Key strategies include working longer to accrue more service years, reviewing contribution limits, and understanding the benefit formula used. Aligning personal savings and pension claims with the optimal retirement age can result in more favorable financial outcomes(The Dow Chemical Compan…).
How can retirees from The Dow Chemical Company navigate survivor benefits, and what are the eligibility criteria for spouses or domestic partners? Survivor benefits are an essential aspect of retirement planning, especially for employees concerned about providing for their loved ones after death. It’s vital for employees to understand both eligibility and what benefits their partners might receive, fostering peace of mind during retirement planning endeavors.
Survivor benefits for retirees: Retirees from The Dow Chemical Company can opt for survivor benefits to provide financial security for their spouses or domestic partners. Eligibility for these benefits depends on the plan's structure, and employees should understand the options available to ensure their loved ones are covered after their death. These benefits include continued monthly payments or lump-sum options depending on the election made at retirement(The Dow Chemical Compan…).
How does The Dow Chemical Company’s defined benefit pension plan differ from other retirement plans, and what should employees know when comparing their options? Employees need to understand the distinctions between defined benefit plans and other types such as defined contribution plans for effective retirement planning. This understanding will help them better appreciate the benefits and risks associated with their choices and aid with decision-making processes.
Comparing defined benefit pension plan: The Dow Chemical Company offers a defined benefit pension plan, which differs from defined contribution plans like 401(k)s. In a defined benefit plan, the company guarantees a specific monthly benefit upon retirement, typically based on years of service and salary, whereas defined contribution plans depend on employee contributions and investment performance(The Dow Chemical Compan…).
What resources does The Dow Chemical Company provide to employees seeking detailed information about their retirement options, and how can they effectively utilize these? Accessing the right resources can bridge knowledge gaps regarding pension plans. Employees should know about dedicated pathways to assistance, such as benefit service centers and consultation avenues, to fully leverage their benefits package.
Resources for retirement information: The Dow Chemical Company provides several resources for employees to access detailed information about their retirement options. The Dow Benefits Service Center and My HR Connection are key tools where employees can request pension estimates, understand payment options, and clarify eligibility criteria. These resources help employees make informed decisions regarding their retirement planning(The Dow Chemical Compan…).
With changes in IRS rules becoming increasingly relevant, how do employees of The Dow Chemical Company stay informed about updates that may impact their retirement savings? Employees need to be active participants in their retirement planning by staying abreast of legal and regulatory changes that can influence their financial strategies. Having a clear understanding of these regulations can help ensure compliance while maximizing possible financial benefits under updated laws.
Staying informed about IRS rules: Employees of The Dow Chemical Company must stay informed about IRS rules that may affect their retirement savings. Changes in tax laws, contribution limits, or distribution rules can significantly impact financial planning. The company provides updates and resources to ensure employees are aware of relevant regulatory changes that might affect their retirement strategies(The Dow Chemical Compan…).
How can employees of The Dow Chemical Company reach the benefits service center for additional inquiries regarding their pension plan, and what information should they prepare beforehand? Knowing how to contact the benefits service center is crucial for employees seeking clarity on their pension plan benefits. Preparing relevant information ahead of time can streamline the process, allowing for a more productive engagement with benefits specialists and ensuring that employees receive precise guidance tailored to their situations.
Contacting the benefits service center: Employees seeking clarification about their pension benefits can reach the Dow Benefits Service Center via phone or online through the Message Center. It is recommended to have personal identification and details of the pension plan ready to streamline the inquiry process. Proper preparation ensures a productive conversation with benefits specialists(The Dow Chemical Compan…).
For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Dow Incorporated at 1919 torrance blvd Torrance, CA 90501; or by calling them at 900-999-1009.
Further Information for Dow Incorporated* Employees
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