What is the deadline for Fred's next required minimum distribution after he took his first one in April 2017?

The correct deadline for Fred's next required minimum distribution (RMD) after he took his first one in April 2017 is indeed December 31, 2017. According to IRS regulations, account holders who turn 70½ must begin taking required minimum distributions by April 1 of the year following the year they turn 70½. However, for the years following the first RMD, the distribution must be taken by December 31 of each year thereafter.

Since Fred took his first RMD in April 2017, his next required distribution would need to be completed by December 31, 2017. This deadline aligns with the IRS rules for subsequent RMDs, which states that after the initial distribution is taken in the first required year, all future distributions must occur by the end of the calendar year.

The other options do not meet the IRS criteria for RMD deadlines. A date in March would not apply since distributions for subsequent years need to fall by the end of the calendar year. Likewise, April as the deadline or a date in mid-April would also not comply with the requirement that the distributions be made by December 31.