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.
Quick Answer
How do I calculate my Required Minimum Distribution?
Divide your December 31 account balance by your IRS life expectancy factor. At age 73 with a $500,000 IRA, the factor is 26.5, so your RMD is $18,868. RMDs start at age 73 (born 1951-1959) or age 75 (born 1960+). Missing RMDs triggers a 25% penalty.
Calculate your exact RMD using the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table for 2026.
Key Takeaways
- RMDs start at age 73 (born 1951-1959) or age 75 (born 1960+) under SECURE Act 2.0
- Calculate RMD by dividing your Dec 31 account balance by your IRS distribution period
- Missing RMDs triggers a 25% penalty on the amount not withdrawn (10% if corrected promptly)
- Use Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) to satisfy RMDs tax-free if age 70.5+
Important Notice
This calculator provides estimates only based on IRS life expectancy tables and general RMD rules. Your actual RMD may differ based on:
- Specific account custodian calculations
- Your complete tax situation
- Changes to IRS rules
This is not tax advice. Consult a tax professional or your account custodian for your official RMD amount.
IRS RMD resources: IRS RMD FAQs
Enter your birth year and account balance above, then click Calculate RMD to see your Required Minimum Distribution.
RMD Projections
RMD Projection
Year-by-Year Projection
| Year | Age | Start Balance | RMD | End Balance |
|---|
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: Dec 31 of prior year
- Distribution Period: From IRS Uniform Lifetime Table based on your age
SECURE Act 2.0 Changes
- RMD age increased: Age 73 (born 1951-1959); Age 75 (born 1960+)
- Reduced penalty: From 50% to 25% (10% if corrected)
- Roth 401(k): No RMDs during owner's lifetime (2024+)
RMD Planning Tips
- QCDs: Donate up to $105,000 from IRA to charity if 70.5+
- Don't delay first RMD: Two RMDs in one year = 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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