RMD Calculator

Calculate your Required Minimum Distribution from your IRA, 401(k), or other retirement account using the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table. Updated for SECURE Act 2.0 rules.

Enter the year you were born
Your account balance as of December 31 of last year
📊

Enter your birth year and account balance above, then click Calculate RMD to see your Required Minimum Distribution.

How RMDs Work

What is an RMD?

A Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) is the minimum amount you must withdraw annually from tax-deferred retirement accounts like Traditional IRAs and 401(k)s.

The IRS requires these withdrawals to ensure that retirement savings are eventually taxed.

RMD Formula

RMD = Account Balance ÷ Distribution Period

Account Balance: Your retirement account balance as of December 31 of the prior year

Distribution Period: A life expectancy factor from the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table based on your age

SECURE Act 2.0 Changes

RMD age increased: Age 73 for those born 1951-1959; age 75 for those born 1960 or later

Reduced penalty: From 50% to 25% (or 10% if corrected promptly)

Roth 401(k): No longer requires RMDs during owner's lifetime (starting 2024)

RMD Planning Tips

Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs): Donate up to $105,000 directly from your IRA to charity if you're 70.5+

Don't delay first RMD: Taking two RMDs in one year can push you into a higher tax bracket

Aggregate IRA RMDs: Take from any combination of Traditional IRAs

RMD Strategies

Combine Multiple IRAs

You can calculate your total RMD across all Traditional IRAs and then take the distribution from any one or combination of those accounts.

Note: 401(k)s must have their RMDs taken separately from each plan.

Consider Roth Conversions

Converting Traditional IRA funds to Roth before RMDs begin can reduce future RMD amounts and overall tax liability.

Roth IRAs do not have RMDs for the original account owner.

Avoid the Penalty

Failing to take your full RMD results in a 25% excise tax on the amount not withdrawn.

This penalty can be reduced to 10% if corrected within a certain timeframe.

Taking More Than RMD

You can always withdraw more than your RMD. However, excess withdrawals:

• Are still taxed as ordinary income

• Cannot be applied to future years' RMDs

Consider your tax bracket when deciding withdrawal amounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)?

A Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) is the minimum amount you must withdraw annually from tax-deferred retirement accounts like Traditional IRAs and 401(k)s starting at age 73 (or 75 if born in 1960 or later). The IRS requires these withdrawals to ensure retirement savings are eventually taxed.

When do RMDs start?

Under SECURE Act 2.0, RMDs start at age 73 for those born 1951-1959, and age 75 for those born in 1960 or later. Your first RMD can be delayed until April 1 of the year after you reach RMD age, but you'll need to take two RMDs that year.

How is my RMD calculated?

Your RMD is calculated by dividing your account balance (as of December 31 of the prior year) by your distribution period from the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table. For example, at age 73, your distribution period is 26.5, so a $500,000 balance would have an RMD of $18,868.

What happens if I don't take my RMD?

Failing to take your full RMD results in a 25% excise tax on the amount not withdrawn (reduced from 50% under SECURE Act 2.0). This penalty can be reduced to 10% if corrected within a certain timeframe.

Do Roth IRAs have RMDs?

No, Roth IRAs do not have RMDs for the original account owner. However, inherited Roth IRAs are subject to distribution rules, including the 10-year rule for most non-spouse beneficiaries under SECURE Act 2.0.

Can I combine RMDs from multiple IRAs?

Yes, you can calculate your total RMD across all your Traditional IRAs and then take the distribution from any one or combination of those IRAs. However, 401(k)s must have their RMDs taken separately from each plan.

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