RMD Calculator

What is an RMD?

A Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) is a mandatory yearly withdrawal from tax-deferred retirement accounts that the IRS forces on you starting at a specific age. The deal: you got a tax deduction when you contributed to a Traditional IRA or 401(k), and your investments grew tax-deferred for decades. Now the IRS wants its tax revenue — so you must withdraw a minimum amount each year and pay ordinary income tax on it.

RMDs apply to Traditional IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s, 457(b)s, SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, and TSPs. They do NOT apply to Roth IRAs (during the owner's lifetime) or — as of 2024 — Roth 401(k)s, thanks to SECURE Act 2.0.

Why RMDs matter:

• Forced distributions can spike your taxable income in retirement
• Larger RMDs at age 85+ (because life expectancy factors shrink) can push you into higher brackets
• RMDs can make up to 85% of Social Security benefits taxable
• RMDs above certain MAGI thresholds trigger Medicare IRMAA premium surcharges
• Missing an RMD costs you a 25% IRS excise tax on the shortfall

Smart retirement planning involves managing future RMDs through Roth conversions, charitable distributions (QCDs), and other strategies — not just reactively taking the minimum each year.

How RMDs work

Required Minimum Distributions are mandatory withdrawals the IRS forces you to take from tax-deferred retirement accounts each year once you reach a certain age. The point: the IRS deferred your tax during your career; now they want to collect.

Example: you turn 73 in 2026 with a $500,000 IRA balance on Dec 31, 2025. Your factor is 26.5, so RMD = $500,000 ÷ 26.5 = $18,868. You must withdraw at least that much by Dec 31, 2026 (or April 1, 2027 if it's your first RMD year — but doubling up next year is usually a bad tax move).

Which accounts have RMDs

RMDs apply only to certain tax-deferred retirement accounts:

Roth IRA exception explained: Roth IRAs grew with after-tax dollars, so the IRS already got its cut. There's no need to force distributions during the owner's lifetime. Beneficiaries who inherit Roth IRAs DO have RMDs (typically the 10-year rule).

Roth 401(k) update: Before SECURE Act 2.0, Roth 401(k)s required RMDs (forcing many people to roll over to Roth IRAs to avoid). Starting 2024, Roth 401(k)s match Roth IRAs — no RMDs during the owner's lifetime.

Your RMD starting age (SECURE Act 2.0)

If you're still working past your RMD age and don't own ≥5% of the company, you can delay 401(k)/403(b)/457(b)/TSP RMDs until you actually retire. IRA RMDs cannot be delayed.

IRS Uniform Lifetime Table

Updated by the IRS in 2022 to reflect longer life expectancies. Lower factors mean lower RMD percentages, which means more tax-deferred growth time. Use this table when your spouse is the same age or younger by less than 10 years (or you have no spouse).

Full table covers ages 73–120+. The calculator uses the exact value for your age. If your spouse is more than 10 years younger and is your sole beneficiary, use the more favorable Joint Life Expectancy Table (not implemented here).

RMD calculation step-by-step

RMDs are simple math: prior year-end account balance ÷ life expectancy factor for your age. Here's how to compute yours:

1. Find your December 31 balance from last year. Your Form 5498 from your IRA custodian shows this; for 401(k)s, the year-end statement.
2. Look up your life expectancy factor in the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table based on your age at year-end. (See full table above — at age 73, factor = 26.5; age 80, factor = 20.2; age 90, factor = 12.2.)
3. Divide: RMD = Balance ÷ Factor.
4. Withdraw at least that amount by December 31 (or April 1 of next year if it's your first RMD year — but read the first-RMD trap below).

Important: The factor uses your age at year-end. If you turn 75 on December 30, you use the age-75 factor (24.6) for that year's RMD — not 74.

Joint Life Expectancy Table

If your spouse is your sole beneficiary AND is more than 10 years younger than you, you can use the IRS Joint Life Expectancy Table instead of the Uniform Lifetime Table. The Joint table produces a smaller RMD percentage because it accounts for the longer joint life expectancy.

Both conditions must be true:

• Your spouse is the sole primary beneficiary of the entire IRA for the entire year
• Spouse is more than 10 years younger than you (e.g., you're 75 and spouse is 64 or younger)

Example savings: $1M IRA, age 75, spouse is age 60 (15 years younger). Uniform Lifetime: $1M ÷ 24.6 = $40,650 RMD. Joint Life Expectancy: $1M ÷ 28.7 = $34,843 RMD. That's $5,807 less you must withdraw and pay tax on. Over 20 years of RMDs, the savings compound.

Multiple accounts: aggregation rules

If you have multiple retirement accounts subject to RMDs, the rules differ by account type:

• IRAs (Traditional, SEP, SIMPLE): Compute RMD for each separately, but you can withdraw the TOTAL from any one IRA or split across them. This is "IRA aggregation" — flexible.
• 403(b)s: Same as IRAs — aggregate among 403(b)s.
• 401(k)s: Each plan's RMD must be taken from THAT specific plan. No aggregation. If you have 3 old 401(k)s, you take 3 separate RMDs from each.
• 457(b)s: Same as 401(k)s — separate RMD per plan.
• No mixing across categories: You can't satisfy a 401(k) RMD with an IRA withdrawal, even if you have both.

Simplification strategy: Roll old 401(k)s into a Traditional IRA before age 73 to consolidate accounts and gain the IRA aggregation flexibility. One RMD calculation, one withdrawal source — much simpler.

Deadlines & the 25% penalty

First RMD: due by April 1 of the year after you turn your RMD age (your "required beginning date"). Subsequent RMDs are due by Dec 31 each year.

First-RMD trap: if you delay your first RMD until April 1, you must take a SECOND RMD by Dec 31 of the same year. Two RMDs in one year often pushes you into a higher bracket. Better to take the first RMD by Dec 31 of the year you reach RMD age.

First-RMD year strategy (April 1 trap)

Your required beginning date (RBD) is April 1 of the year AFTER you reach RMD age. So if you turn 73 in 2026, your first RMD is technically due by April 1, 2027.

The trap: If you delay your first RMD until April 1, you must ALSO take your second RMD by December 31 of that same year. Two RMDs in one calendar year stack on top of your other income and can push you into a higher tax bracket, increase Social Security taxability, and trigger Medicare IRMAA premium surcharges.

Better strategy: Take your first RMD by Dec 31 of the year you reach RMD age. You spread RMD income evenly across years instead of doubling up.

When delaying makes sense: Only if you expect significantly less income in the following year (e.g., you retired mid-year and 2027 will be your first full retirement year). Run the tax math both ways before deciding.

Still-working exception

If you're still working full-time past your RMD age, you can delay RMDs from your current employer's 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), or TSP until April 1 of the year after you actually retire. This exception applies plan-by-plan.

Important caveats:

• Only applies to your CURRENT employer's plan. Old 401(k)s from past employers still need RMDs at normal age.
• You must NOT own 5%+ of the company. Owners can't use this exception.
• Does NOT apply to IRAs (including SEP and SIMPLE). Those have RMDs at 73/75 regardless of work status.
• Plan must explicitly allow it (most do, but verify with HR/plan administrator).

Strategic implication: If you have multiple old 401(k)s and plan to keep working into your 70s, consider rolling them INTO your current employer's 401(k) (a "rollover-in") to delay all those RMDs together. Most 401(k) plans accept rollover-ins.

Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)

A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) is a direct transfer from your IRA to a qualifying 501(c)(3) charity. It satisfies your RMD AND is excluded from your taxable income — a powerful combination only available to IRA owners age 70½+.

2026 QCD limits:

• $108,000 per person per year (indexed annually for inflation)
• $216,000 if both spouses age 70½+ each have IRAs and each does their own QCD
• One-time $54,000 lifetime QCD allowed to certain split-interest entities (charitable gift annuity, CRAT, CRUT)

Why QCDs win over taking RMD then donating:

• RMD never enters your AGI — keeps you below thresholds for Medicare IRMAA, Social Security taxation, and the 0%/15%/20% LTCG breakpoints
• You don't need to itemize to benefit (most retirees take the standard deduction now)
• Preserves access to medical expense + state tax deductions for those who do itemize
• Counts toward your annual RMD dollar-for-dollar

How to do a QCD: Contact your IRA custodian. Funds must transfer DIRECTLY from IRA to charity (you can't take the money first). Get a written acknowledgment from the charity for your records. Report on Form 1040: include the QCD amount on the IRA distribution line, then write "QCD" on the dotted line — only the non-QCD portion is taxable.

Roth conversions to reduce future RMDs

A Roth conversion moves money from a Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. You pay ordinary income tax on the converted amount NOW, but the converted balance grows tax-free in the Roth and has no RMDs during your lifetime.

When Roth conversions make sense:

• You're in a low-income year between retirement and age 73 (the "Roth conversion window")
• Your current marginal tax rate is lower than expected RMD-driven future rate
• You won't need the converted funds for at least 5 years (5-year holding rule applies)
• You have non-IRA cash available to pay the conversion tax (don't withhold from the conversion)
• You want to leave a tax-free legacy to heirs (Roth IRAs inherited tax-free)

"Conversion ladder" strategy: Convert a fixed amount each year that "fills up" your current tax bracket without spilling into the next one. Example: in 2026 single bracket, you can convert up to $50,400 (top of 12% bracket) without entering 22% — saves 10 percentage points vs converting in retirement at 22%+.

Watch out for: Medicare IRMAA premium surcharges (kick in at MAGI over ~$106K single / ~$212K married for 2026 brackets), the 5-year rule on each conversion, and state tax on the conversion. Run the math carefully.

Inherited IRA RMDs (10-year rule)

When you inherit an IRA, RMD rules differ dramatically from owner RMDs. The SECURE Act (2019) and SECURE Act 2.0 (2022) overhauled these rules:

For most non-spouse beneficiaries (including adult children): The 10-year rule applies. The entire inherited IRA must be empty by December 31 of the 10th year after the original owner's death. Annual RMDs during the 10 years may be required if the original owner had already started RMDs.

Eligible Designated Beneficiaries (EDBs) — get more favorable "stretch" treatment using the Single Life Expectancy Table:

• Surviving spouse — most favorable; can roll into own IRA or use Single Life
• Minor children of decedent (until age 21, then 10-year rule kicks in)
• Disabled or chronically ill individuals
• Individuals less than 10 years younger than the decedent

Tax impact for non-spouse heirs: The 10-year rule forces full distribution within a decade — often during the heir's peak earning years (40s-50s). Strategic planning includes spreading withdrawals across all 10 years to manage tax brackets, or front-loading in low-income years.

Inherited Roth IRAs: Same 10-year rule for non-spouse beneficiaries. But all withdrawals are tax-free (provided 5-year rule is met). No annual RMD required during the 10 years — empty by year 10.

RMD tax impact (federal + state)

RMDs from Traditional IRAs, 401(k)s, etc. are taxed as ordinary income at federal and state rates. There's no special capital-gains treatment even if your account holds long-held stocks — withdrawal converts everything to ordinary income.

Beyond direct income tax, RMDs trigger several knock-on effects:

• Social Security taxation: Up to 85% of SS benefits become taxable when combined with RMDs. RMDs of $30,000 can convert $25,000 of SS from tax-free to 85% taxable — adding $4,675 of federal tax (at 22%).
• Medicare IRMAA surcharges: Higher MAGI from RMDs can trigger Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount premiums on Medicare Parts B and D. 2026 thresholds start at ~$106K single / ~$212K married. IRMAA can add $70–$420/month per person.
• Long-term capital gains breakpoints: RMDs increase your AGI, possibly pushing investment income from 0% LTCG rate to 15% or from 15% to 20%.
• Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT): 3.8% surtax on investment income kicks in at MAGI over $200K single / $250K married. RMDs raise MAGI, exposing more investment income to this tax.
• State income tax: Most states tax RMDs as ordinary income. 9 no-tax states (TX, FL, NV, etc.) are RMD havens. Some states (PA, MS, IL) exempt retirement income partially or fully.
• Withholding: Default federal withholding on IRA RMDs is 10%, but you can elect 0% or any higher %. Plan ahead to avoid surprise tax bills.

Estimated quarterly payments may be needed if your RMD-driven tax exceeds withholding. Use safe-harbor rules (100% of prior-year tax / 110% if AGI > $150K) to avoid underpayment penalties.

8 strategies to reduce RMD taxes

1. Roth conversions in low-income years. Convert chunks of Traditional IRA to Roth between retirement and age 73. Pay tax now at low rates; future RMDs and tax shrink.
2. Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs). At 70½+, transfer up to $108,000/year directly from IRA to charity. Counts as RMD but excluded from income.
3. In-kind RMDs. Withdraw appreciated stock or fund shares in-kind instead of selling and withdrawing cash. Same tax bill, but you keep the position in a taxable account with stepped-up basis.
4. Coordinate with Social Security claiming. Delay SS to age 70 and take RMDs in your 60s if possible. Spreads income across more years and reduces lifetime tax in many cases.
5. QLAC (Qualified Longevity Annuity Contract). Up to $210,000 (2026) of IRA balance can be moved to a QLAC, deferring RMDs until age 85. Smooths income across more years.
6. Joint Life Expectancy Table. If your spouse is >10 years younger AND sole beneficiary, use the more favorable Joint table.
7. Move to a no-tax state before retirement. Texas, Florida, Tennessee, Nevada, Washington, etc. — 9 states with no income tax. Massive RMD savings if you have $1M+ in tax-deferred accounts.
8. Roll old 401(k)s into IRA before age 73. Simplifies aggregation rules and gives you flexibility to take all RMDs from one account.

7 common RMD mistakes

1. Missing the deadline. 25% excise tax on the shortfall (was 50% pre-SECURE 2.0). File Form 5329 with reasonable cause if late — IRS often waives.
2. Doubling up in first-RMD year. Delaying first RMD to April 1 of next year forces two RMDs in one calendar year — usually triggers higher tax bracket and Medicare IRMAA.
3. Mixing IRA and 401(k) RMDs. You can't satisfy a 401(k) RMD with an IRA withdrawal. Must come from the same account type.
4. Forgetting old 401(k)s. Each old employer plan has its own RMD. Easy to miss one — penalty applies to the missed plan specifically.
5. Taking QCD-eligible RMD as cash first. Once you've taken cash, you can't retroactively convert it to a QCD. Plan QCDs at the START of the year.
6. Forgetting to update beneficiary forms. Affects spouse table eligibility, inherited IRA rules, and probate. Review every 5 years and after life events.
7. Withholding too little. Default 10% federal withholding may be far less than your actual marginal rate. Adjust withholding or make quarterly estimated payments.

RMD glossary

Frequently asked questions