By what date is Walter required to begin taking the minimum distribution from his traditional IRA?

Walter is required to begin taking minimum distributions from his traditional IRA by April 1 of the year following the year he turns 72. This requirement is mandated by the IRS to ensure that retirement savings are taxed at some point after reaching a certain age. If Walter turned 72 in 2017, he would need to begin taking his first required minimum distribution (RMD) by April 1, 2018.

Choosing this date is crucial because it allows individuals to meet the IRS regulations while also offering the flexibility to postpone the first withdrawal until early the following year. Therefore, the correct date aligns specifically with the guideline for RMDs established in the tax code. The other dates provided do not match the requirement for an individual turning 72 in 2017, and thus are not appropriate for Walter's situation.