Final answer:
The excess accumulations penalty for not taking an RMD from an IRA is 50% of the amount that should have been distributed. In Teresa's case, her penalty is $6,000.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student asked about the excess accumulations penalty for not taking the required minimum distribution (RMD) from an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). For Teresa, who is 81 and did not take her RMD of $12,000 in 2022, the penalty for this is 50% of the amount that should have been distributed. This means Teresa's excess accumulations penalty would be $6,000 (50% of $12,000).