Back to Calculators

RMD Calculator

Calculate your Required Minimum Distribution from retirement accounts

Basic Information

RMD begins at age 73

$

Beneficiary Information

Projection Settings

%

Understanding Required Minimum Distributions

What is an RMD?

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) are mandatory withdrawals from tax-deferred retirement accounts that must begin at a certain age. The IRS requires these distributions to ensure that the tax-deferred savings are eventually taxed.

  • Applies to traditional IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and other tax-deferred accounts
  • Start at age 73 for those born 1951-1959
  • Based on IRS life expectancy tables
  • Penalty of 25% for missed RMDs (reduced to 10% if corrected promptly)

SECURE Act 2.0 Changes

Born Before 1951

RMD starts at age 72

Born 1951-1959

RMD starts at age 73

Born 1960 or Later

RMD starts at age 75 (effective 2033)

Key RMD Rules

  • First RMD:Can be delayed until April 1 of the year after turning RMD age
  • Subsequent RMDs:Must be taken by December 31 each year
  • Tax Treatment:RMDs are taxed as ordinary income
  • QCDs:Qualified Charitable Distributions can satisfy RMD requirements
  • Roth IRAs:Exempt from RMDs during owner's lifetime

Life Expectancy Tables

The IRS uses three life expectancy tables to calculate RMDs:

Uniform Lifetime Table

Used for most RMD calculations, assumes a beneficiary 10 years younger

Joint Life Table

Used when spouse is sole beneficiary and more than 10 years younger

Single Life Table

Used by beneficiaries for inherited accounts

RMD Strategies

  • Plan withdrawals to minimize tax impact across multiple accounts
  • Consider Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) to reduce taxable income
  • Aggregate RMDs from multiple IRAs and withdraw from one account
  • Reinvest RMDs in taxable accounts if not needed for living expenses
  • Consider Roth conversions before RMD age to reduce future RMDs