Confusion over 2008/2009 RMD Suspension by Congress

There seems to be articles misquoting the Suspension of RMDs by Congress. Congress has not suspended the 2008 RMDs. As of this time The Worker, Retiree, and Employer Recovery Act of 2008 is awaiting the President’s signature.

One of the provisions of the bill is the suspension of required minimum distributions (RMDs) for 2009 ONLY.
This applies to all RMDs from IRAs and employer plans for account owners AND beneficiaries. This temporary suspension will not affect an individual’s required beginning date. An individual who turns 70 ½ in 2008 and chooses to defer their first distribution to April 1, 2009 must still take that distribution.

Non-spouse Beneficiary Rollovers from Employer Plans Made Mandatory
A non-spouse beneficiary direct rollover provision mandatory for employer plans. All employer plans will be required to allow these direct rollovers to properly titled inherited IRAs after December 31, 2009.