Must I use the 5-year rule for my inherited IRA? I inherited it from my 72 year old uncle.
You are subject to the rules that apply when someone dies before the RBD. The RBD is April 1 of the year following the year the IRA owner reaches age 70 ½. Therefore, if someone dies before April 1 of the year that follows the year he/she reaches (or would have reached) age 70 ½, he/she died before the RBD. Please see table here for a high level overview of your options