RMD Calculator

Once you reach age 73, the IRS requires you to withdraw a minimum amount each year from traditional IRAs and 401(k)s. Failing to take the correct amount triggers a 25% excise tax. This calculator tells you exactly how much you must withdraw.

What Is an RMD?

A Required Minimum Distribution is the minimum annual amount you must withdraw from tax-deferred retirement accounts (traditional IRA, 401k, 403b, SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA) starting at age 73 (under SECURE 2.0, effective 2023).

How to Use This Calculator

1. Enter your age as of December 31 of the current year.
2. Enter your total account balance as of December 31 of the prior year.
3. Enter your spouse's age (if spouse is sole beneficiary and more than 10 years younger, a different table applies).
4. Click Calculate to see your RMD for the current year.

RMD Formula

RMD = Prior Year-End Account Balance ÷ IRS Life Expectancy Factor

The IRS Uniform Lifetime Table provides the distribution period (life expectancy factor) based on your age. At age 73, the factor is 26.5. At 80 it's 20.2. At 90 it's 12.2.

Example Calculation

Age 75 | Year-end balance: $800,000 | IRS factor for age 75: 24.6

• RMD = $800,000 ÷ 24.6 = $32,520
• This amount must be withdrawn by December 31 of the current year.
• It is taxable as ordinary income in the year withdrawn.

Key RMD Rules

• Start age: 73 (for those born after 1950); the first RMD can be deferred to April 1 of the following year, but you'll then take two RMDs that year.
• Each account is separate: Calculate RMD for each traditional IRA individually, but you can withdraw the total from any one or combination of IRAs. 401(k) RMDs must be taken from each account separately.
• Roth IRAs: No RMDs during the owner's lifetime.
• Inherited IRAs: Different rules apply — most non-spouse beneficiaries must empty the account within 10 years.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing the December 31 deadline — The penalty (25%) on missed RMDs is severe. Set a calendar reminder and consider automating withdrawals with your financial institution.
• Using the current year-end balance instead of prior year-end — Always use the December 31 balance of the previous year.
• Forgetting multiple accounts — You must calculate RMDs for every traditional IRA and 401(k) you own.
• Not planning for the tax impact — Large RMDs can push you into a higher bracket, increase Medicare IRMAA surcharges, and make more of your Social Security taxable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take more than my RMD?

Yes — you can always withdraw more than the required minimum. The extra is also taxable. Many retirees withdraw exactly the RMD to minimize taxes.

What if I don't need the RMD income?

You must still take it. Strategies to reduce tax impact: qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) up to $105,000/year directly to charity (counts toward RMD, not taxable), or Roth conversions in earlier years to reduce future account size.

Can I put my RMD into a Roth IRA?

No — RMD amounts cannot be rolled over to any retirement account, including Roth IRAs. However, if you have earned income, you can contribute separately to a Roth IRA.

What happens if I miss my RMD?

The IRS imposes a 25% excise tax on the amount you should have withdrawn. If corrected promptly (within 2 years), the penalty reduces to 10%.

Conclusion

RMD planning is essential tax management in retirement. Calculate your annual requirement, plan the withdrawal timing to minimize tax impact, and consider QCDs if you're charitable. Missing this requirement is an expensive mistake — one this calculator helps you avoid.

Related: Retirement Calculator | IRA Calculator | 401K Calculator | Tax Calculator