RMD Calculator
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What Is a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)?
A Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) is the minimum amount you must withdraw from your tax-deferred retirement accounts each year once you reach a certain age. This includes traditional IRAs, SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, and most employer-sponsored plans like 401(k)s and 403(b)s. Roth IRAs do not require RMDs during the owner’s lifetime.
RMD Starting Age (2024 & 2025 Rules)
Under the SECURE Act 2.0, the RMD beginning age is 73 for individuals born between 1951 and 1959. If you were born before 1951, your RMD age remains 72. For those born in 1960 or later, the starting age will rise to 75 (beginning in 2033). Always check the current IRS guidelines.
How RMDs Are Calculated
The IRS provides life expectancy tables. The most common is the Uniform Lifetime Table, used by unmarried account owners or those whose spouse is not more than 10 years younger. The formula is simple:
RMD = Account Balance (as of Dec 31 of prior year) ÷ Life Expectancy Factor
Important Deadlines
- First RMD: You can delay your first withdrawal until April 1 of the year after you turn your RMD age. However, if you wait, you’ll take two distributions in that year (the first by April 1, the second by Dec 31).
- All subsequent RMDs: Must be taken by December 31 each year.
Penalty for Missing an RMD
If you fail to take the full RMD on time, the IRS imposes a penalty. Under the SECURE 2.0 Act, the penalty is reduced to 25% of the amount not withdrawn (down from 50%). If corrected promptly, it may be further reduced to 10%.
IRS Uniform Lifetime Table (Ages 72–120)
| Age | Distribution Period | Age | Distribution Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| 72 | 27.4 | 97 | 7.8 |
| 73 | 26.5 | 98 | 7.3 |
| 74 | 25.5 | 99 | 6.8 |
| 75 | 24.6 | 100 | 6.4 |
| 76 | 23.7 | 101 | 6.0 |
| 77 | 22.9 | 102 | 5.6 |
| 78 | 22.0 | 103 | 5.2 |
| 79 | 21.1 | 104 | 4.9 |
| 80 | 20.2 | 105 | 4.6 |
| 81 | 19.4 | 106 | 4.3 |
| 82 | 18.5 | 107 | 4.1 |
| 83 | 17.7 | 108 | 3.9 |
| 84 | 16.8 | 109 | 3.7 |
| 85 | 16.0 | 110 | 3.5 |
| 86 | 15.2 | 111 | 3.4 |
| 87 | 14.4 | 112 | 3.3 |
| 88 | 13.7 | 113 | 3.1 |
| 89 | 12.9 | 114 | 3.0 |
| 90 | 12.2 | 115 | 2.9 |
| 91 | 11.5 | 116 | 2.8 |
| 92 | 10.8 | 117 | 2.7 |
| 93 | 10.1 | 118 | 2.5 |
| 94 | 9.5 | 119 | 2.3 |
| 95 | 8.9 | 120 | 2.0 |
| 96 | 8.4 |
* This table applies to account owners whose spouse is not more than 10 years younger. For beneficiaries of inherited IRAs or spouses who are sole beneficiaries, different tables apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I withdraw more than my RMD? Absolutely. The RMD is the minimum; you can always take out more. Extra withdrawals are also taxable but can help manage future RMDs or cover living expenses.
Do I have to take RMDs from each account separately? You must calculate the RMD for each traditional IRA separately, but you can aggregate the total IRA RMD and withdraw it from one or multiple IRAs. 401(k) and other employer plans generally require separate RMD calculations and withdrawals.
What if I’m still working past my RMD age? If you’re still working and don’t own more than 5% of the company, you may be able to delay RMDs from your current employer’s 401(k) until after you retire (the “still-working exception”). This does not apply to IRAs.
Disclaimer: This calculator and content are for educational purposes only and not tax or investment advice. Consult a qualified financial advisor or tax professional for your specific situation.
