RMD Calculator 2026
Calculate your Required Minimum Distribution using the 2026 IRS Uniform Lifetime Table.
RMD Calculator
Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) are mandatory withdrawals from retirement accounts starting at age 73 (for those born 1951-1959) or age 75 (born 1960 or later).
RMD Details
| Account balance (Dec 31, 2025) | $0 |
| Your age on Dec 31, 2026 | 0 |
| Life expectancy factor | 0 |
| Required withdrawal for 2026 | $0 |
Important RMD Rules
- Deadline: You must take your RMD by December 31, 2026
- Penalty: Failure to take RMD results in a 25% excise tax (reduced to 10% if corrected within 2 years)
- First RMD: If this is your first RMD, you can delay until April 1, 2027, but you'll need to take two RMDs in 2027
- Roth IRAs: Roth IRAs do not require RMDs during the owner's lifetime
2026 RMD Age Requirements
- Born 1951-1959: RMDs begin at age 73
- Born 1960 or later: RMDs begin at age 75
- Still working: You may be able to delay RMDs from your current employer's 401k (if you own less than 5% of the company)
Understanding Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
Required Minimum Distributions are mandatory withdrawals from retirement accounts that the IRS requires once you reach a certain age. The purpose is to ensure that tax-deferred retirement savings are eventually taxed. Use our 401k Calculator to project your retirement savings before RMDs begin.
Which Accounts Require RMDs?
- Traditional IRA - RMDs required starting at age 73/75
- SEP IRA - Same rules as Traditional IRA
- SIMPLE IRA - Same rules as Traditional IRA
- 401k, 403b, 457b - RMDs required unless still working for that employer
- Inherited IRAs - Special rules apply based on beneficiary type
Accounts That DON'T Require RMDs
- Roth IRA - No RMDs during owner's lifetime
- Roth 401k - No RMDs as of 2024 (SECURE 2.0 change)
2026 RMD Rules and Changes
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| RMD Starting Age | Age 73 (born 1951-1959) or Age 75 (born 1960+) |
| Penalty for Missing RMD | 25% excise tax (reduced from 50% by SECURE 2.0) |
| Penalty Reduction | Can be reduced to 10% if corrected within 2 years |
| Deadline | December 31 each year (April 1 for first RMD only) |
| Calculation Method | Account balance ÷ IRS life expectancy factor |
IRS Uniform Lifetime Table 2026
The IRS publishes life expectancy tables used to calculate RMDs. Here are key ages:
| Age | Distribution Period | Example RMD ($500k balance) |
|---|---|---|
| 73 | 26.5 | $18,868 |
| 75 | 24.6 | $20,325 |
| 80 | 20.2 | $24,752 |
| 85 | 16.0 | $31,250 |
| 90 | 12.2 | $40,984 |
| 95 | 8.9 | $56,180 |
Note: As you age, the distribution period decreases, meaning you must withdraw a larger percentage each year.
RMD Strategies to Minimize Taxes
- Take RMDs early in the year - Gives your remaining balance more time to grow
- Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) - Donate up to $105,000 directly to charity (counts toward RMD, not taxable income)
- Roth conversions before RMDs start - Convert Traditional IRA to Roth before age 73 to reduce future RMDs
- Consolidate IRAs - Calculate RMD for each IRA separately, but can withdraw total from one account
- Reinvest if you don't need the money - Take the RMD but invest it in a taxable brokerage account
What Happens If You Miss Your RMD?
Penalty: 25% excise tax on the amount you should have withdrawn
Example: If your RMD was $20,000 and you didn't take it, you owe $5,000 penalty (25% × $20,000)
Good news: The penalty can be reduced to 10% if you correct the mistake within 2 years
How to Fix a Missed RMD:
- Withdraw the missed RMD amount immediately
- File Form 5329 with your tax return
- Request a waiver by showing reasonable cause
- The IRS often waives the penalty if corrected quickly
Inherited IRA RMD Rules
Inherited IRAs have different RMD rules depending on your relationship to the deceased:
Spousal Beneficiaries
- Can treat the IRA as your own (best option in most cases)
- Or take distributions based on your life expectancy
- Can delay RMDs until the deceased would have turned 73
Non-Spousal Beneficiaries
- 10-Year Rule: Must empty the account within 10 years (most common)
- Exceptions: Minor children, disabled/chronically ill, or beneficiaries within 10 years of deceased's age can use life expectancy method
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age do I have to start taking RMDs?
If you were born between 1951-1959, you must start RMDs at age 73. If you were born in 1960 or later, RMDs begin at age 75. This was changed by the SECURE 2.0 Act.
How is my RMD calculated?
RMD = Account balance (as of Dec 31 prior year) ÷ IRS life expectancy factor for your age. For example, at age 75, the factor is 24.6, so a $500,000 balance requires a $20,325 RMD.
Do I have to take RMDs from my Roth IRA?
No. Roth IRAs do not require RMDs during the owner's lifetime. This is one of the major advantages of Roth IRAs. However, Roth 401k accounts also no longer require RMDs as of 2024 (SECURE 2.0).
Can I take more than my RMD?
Yes, you can always withdraw more than the required minimum. However, excess withdrawals do NOT count toward future years' RMDs. Each year's RMD must be calculated and withdrawn separately.
What if I have multiple IRAs?
You must calculate the RMD for each Traditional IRA separately, but you can take the total amount from one or more of your IRAs. For 401k accounts, you must take the RMD from each account separately.
Can I donate my RMD to charity?
Yes! A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) allows you to donate up to $105,000 directly from your IRA to charity. The donation counts toward your RMD but is NOT included in your taxable income. You must be 70½ or older.
What's the penalty for missing an RMD?
25% excise tax on the amount you failed to withdraw (reduced from 50% by SECURE 2.0). This can be reduced to 10% if you correct the error within 2 years. The IRS often waives the penalty if you show reasonable cause.
Do I still have to take RMDs if I'm still working?
If you're still working and participating in your current employer's 401k, you can delay RMDs from that specific 401k until you retire (as long as you own less than 5% of the company). However, you must still take RMDs from IRAs and old 401k accounts.