$18,765
26.65
years
3.75
%
$14,637
$505,297
$1,564
$18,765
26.65
years
3.75
%
$14,637
$505,297
$1,564
The RMD Calculator (Required Minimum Distribution) calculates the minimum amount you must withdraw from your tax-deferred retirement accounts each year after reaching the required beginning age. Under the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022, RMDs now begin at age 73 (for those born 1951-1959) and will increase to age 75 starting in 2033 (for those born 1960 or later). Failure to take your full RMD results in a 25% excise tax on the amount not withdrawn (reduced from 50% by SECURE 2.0).
RMDs apply to Traditional IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s, 457(b)s, and most other tax-deferred retirement accounts. Notably, Roth IRAs are exempt from RMDs during the owner's lifetime, making them an excellent tool for tax-free legacy planning. However, inherited Roth IRAs are subject to distribution requirements under the 10-year rule for most non-spouse beneficiaries.
The RMD is calculated by dividing your account balance as of December 31 of the previous year by a distribution period from the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table. For example, at age 73, the distribution period is 26.5 years, meaning you must withdraw approximately 3.77% of your balance. As you age, the distribution period shortens and the withdrawal percentage increases — by age 85, the period is 16.0 years (6.25%), and by age 90, it is 12.2 years (8.20%).
A special exception applies if your sole beneficiary is a spouse who is more than 10 years younger. In this case, you may use the Joint Life and Last Survivor Expectancy Table, which provides a longer distribution period and therefore a smaller required withdrawal. This is the only situation where the joint table may be used.
Strategic RMD planning can significantly reduce your lifetime tax burden. Options include Roth conversions before RMDs begin (reducing future RMD amounts), Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) of up to $105,000 per year directly from your IRA to charity (which satisfies RMD requirements without increasing taxable income), and careful coordination with Social Security claiming to manage tax bracket exposure.
The formula is straightforward: RMD = Account Balance (Dec 31 prior year) / Distribution Period. The distribution period comes from the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table, which assigns a factor based on your age. If your sole beneficiary is a spouse more than 10 years younger, the Joint Life table provides a longer period. The effective withdrawal rate shows what percentage of your balance the RMD represents.
The effective withdrawal rate starts low (around 3.8% at 73) and increases with age. If your investment returns exceed your RMD percentage, your account will continue growing despite withdrawals. As the rate climbs above 6-7%, the account will likely begin shrinking. Monitor whether the projected remaining balance meets your future income needs.
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First RMD at 73 is about $18,868 from a $500K balance.
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At 80, the RMD is $29,703 from a $600K balance (4.95% rate).
Under SECURE 2.0, RMDs begin at age 73 for those born 1951-1959 and age 75 for those born 1960 or later. Your first RMD is due by April 1 of the year after you reach the applicable age.
You face a 25% excise tax on the amount not withdrawn (reduced from 50% by SECURE 2.0). This can be further reduced to 10% if corrected within 2 years under the new correction window.
Traditional IRAs, SEP-IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and 457(b)s all require RMDs. Roth IRAs do NOT require RMDs during the owner's lifetime. Roth 401(k)s are exempt from RMDs starting in 2024 under SECURE 2.0.
The IRS Uniform Lifetime Table provides the distribution period based on your age. At 73 it is 26.5 years; at 80 it is 20.2; at 90 it is 12.2. The period decreases each year, increasing the required withdrawal percentage.
Yes. The RMD is the minimum required withdrawal. You can always withdraw more, though all withdrawals from traditional accounts are taxed as ordinary income.
No. Roth IRAs are exempt from RMDs during the owner's lifetime. This makes Roth conversions before age 73 a popular strategy to reduce future RMDs and tax obligations.
A QCD allows you to donate up to $105,000 (2024) directly from your IRA to a qualified charity. QCDs count toward your RMD but are excluded from taxable income, making them highly tax-efficient for charitable donors.
For IRAs, yes — you can calculate the total RMD across all Traditional IRAs and withdraw from any one or combination. For 401(k)s, each account's RMD must be withdrawn from that specific account.
Potentially yes. Converting Traditional IRA funds to a Roth before RMDs begin reduces the balance subject to RMDs. You pay taxes on the conversion amount now, but future growth and withdrawals from the Roth are tax-free.
If your spouse is your sole beneficiary and is more than 10 years younger, you may use the Joint Life and Last Survivor Expectancy Table instead of the Uniform Lifetime Table. This provides a longer distribution period and smaller RMD.
Roboculator Team
The Roboculator Team explains calculations, planning tools, and practical formulas in clear language for real-life situations.
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