Understanding Required Minimum Distributions
Mandatory withdrawals from tax-deferred retirement accounts
Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) are the minimum amounts you must withdraw from your tax-deferred retirement accounts each year once you reach a certain age. The IRS requires these withdrawals to ensure tax-deferred accounts are eventually taxed.
RMD Starting Age
| Birth Year | RMD Starting Age |
|---|---|
| 1950 or earlier | 72 (already started) |
| 1951 - 1959 | 73 |
| 1960 or later | 75 (starting 2033) |
How RMDs Are Calculated
RMD = Account Balance ÷ Life Expectancy Factor
Account balance is from December 31 of the prior year. Life expectancy factor comes from IRS tables.
Get Your Balance
Use your account balance as of December 31 of the previous year.
Find Your Factor
Look up your life expectancy factor in the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table based on your age.
Divide
Divide your balance by the factor to get your required withdrawal amount.
Accounts Subject to RMDs
RMDs Required
- • Traditional IRA
- • SEP IRA
- • SIMPLE IRA
- • 401(k) and 403(b)
- • 457(b) plans
- • Inherited Roth IRA
No RMDs Required
- • Roth IRA (original owner)
- • Roth 401(k) (starting 2026)
- • Still working 401(k)*
*If still employed and not 5%+ owner
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I withdraw more than my RMD?
Yes, you can always withdraw more than the minimum. However, excess withdrawals do not count toward next year's RMD. All withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income.
What if I have multiple IRAs?
Calculate RMD separately for each IRA, but you can take the total from any one or combination of your IRAs. 401(k) RMDs must be taken separately from each plan.
Can I donate my RMD to charity?
Yes! A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) allows you to donate up to $100,000 directly from your IRA to charity. This satisfies your RMD and is not included in taxable income.