RMD Calculator
Calculate your Required Minimum Distribution from retirement accounts
2024 Rules: RMDs must begin at age 73. Uses IRS Uniform Lifetime Table. Roth IRAs have no RMDs during the owner's lifetime.
How to Use This RMD Calculator
- Enter your age as of December 31 of the current year (must be 73+)
- Input your account balance as of December 31 of the prior year
- The calculator uses the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table automatically
- Click Calculate to see your required distribution amount
- View the 10-year projection to plan future withdrawals
Example: At age 75 with a $500,000 IRA balance, your distribution factor is 24.6. Your RMD is $500,000 / 24.6 = $20,325. This represents 4.07% of your balance, which you must withdraw and report as taxable income.
Tip: Take RMDs early in the year to give more time for tax planning and to avoid the last-minute December rush.
Why Use a RMD Calculator?
Missing or miscalculating RMDs triggers a 25% penalty on the amount not withdrawn, making accurate calculations essential.
- Calculate exact required withdrawal to avoid IRS penalties
- Plan tax-efficient withdrawal timing throughout the year
- Project future RMDs for multi-year tax planning
- Coordinate RMDs across multiple retirement accounts
- Determine whether to consolidate accounts for simpler RMD management
- Evaluate qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) to satisfy RMDs
Understanding Your Results
Your RMD represents the minimum you must withdraw; you can always take more but never less.
| Result | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| RMD under 5% of balance | Modest required withdrawal (younger ages) | Consider taking extra for tax bracket management or Roth conversions |
| RMD 5-10% of balance | Moderate withdrawal rate (mid-80s) | Balance meeting RMD with preserving account longevity |
| RMD over 10% of balance | Higher withdrawal rate (advanced ages) | Account may deplete faster; consider withdrawal timing carefully |
Meaning: Modest required withdrawal (younger ages)
Action: Consider taking extra for tax bracket management or Roth conversions
Meaning: Moderate withdrawal rate (mid-80s)
Action: Balance meeting RMD with preserving account longevity
Meaning: Higher withdrawal rate (advanced ages)
Action: Account may deplete faster; consider withdrawal timing carefully
Note: The 2026 IRS distribution factors were updated by SECURE 2.0 Act, providing slightly lower RMD percentages than previous tables.
About RMD Calculator
Formula
RMD = Account Balance (Dec 31 prior year) / Distribution Factor Example: $400,000 balance with factor of 25.5 (age 74) = $15,686 RMD. The factor decreases each year, increasing the percentage withdrawn.
Current Standards: SECURE 2.0 raised the RMD starting age to 73 (previously 72). The penalty for missed RMDs was reduced from 50% to 25% (10% if corrected quickly). First RMD is due by April 1 following the year you turn 73; subsequent RMDs are due by December 31.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the penalty for missing an RMD?
The penalty is 25% of the amount you should have withdrawn but didn't. SECURE 2.0 reduced this from 50%. If you correct the error within a specific timeframe, the penalty drops to 10%. File Form 5329 with your tax return and request a waiver if you have reasonable cause.
Do I have to take RMDs from each account separately?
For IRAs, you calculate RMD for each account but can withdraw the total from any one or combination of IRAs. 401(k)s and 403(b)s must each be withdrawn from separately. You cannot satisfy one plan's RMD with a withdrawal from another plan type.
What are qualified charitable distributions (QCDs)?
QCDs allow you to donate up to $105,000/year (2026) directly from your IRA to charity, satisfying your RMD without the distribution counting as taxable income. You must be 70.5+ (not 73). The charity must be a 501(c)(3). This is especially valuable if you don't itemize deductions.
Can I delay my first RMD?
Your first RMD can be delayed until April 1 of the year after you turn 73. However, if you delay, you must take two RMDs in that second year (the delayed first and the current year's). This may push you into a higher tax bracket. Most people should take their first RMD by December 31.
How do inherited IRAs work with RMDs?
Most non-spouse beneficiaries must empty inherited IRAs within 10 years (no annual RMDs required, just complete distribution). Spouses can roll inherited IRAs into their own and follow standard rules. Certain eligible designated beneficiaries (minor children, disabled individuals) can stretch distributions over their lifetimes.