Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) Calculator

Calculate the minimum amount you must withdraw from your retirement accounts each year. Avoid IRS penalties with our precise, professional-grade calculator updated for 2026 rules[citation:3][citation:6].

Enter Your Details

Total value of all your traditional IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s as of December 31[citation:3].
RMDs must begin by April 1 of the year after you turn 73[citation:3][citation:6].
If your spouse is more than 10 years younger and sole beneficiary, use Joint Life Table[citation:3].
Important: This calculator provides an estimate. Consult a tax advisor for your specific situation. The penalty for missed RMDs is 25% of the amount not withdrawn[citation:3][citation:8].

Your RMD Results

Your Required Minimum Distribution for 2026
$3,773.58
Minimum amount to withdraw by December 31
Account Balance $100,000.00
Your Age 73
IRS Life Expectancy Factor 26.5
Calculation Method Uniform Lifetime Table
Withdrawal Deadline December 31, 2026
Pro Tip: You can withdraw your total RMD from any one of your IRA accounts (if you have multiple), but you must take separate RMDs from each 401(k) account[citation:3].

RMD Formula & Calculation Method

The IRS calculates your Required Minimum Distribution using a standard formula based on your account balance and life expectancy factor[citation:3].

RMD Formula:
RMD = Account Balance (Dec 31 prior year) ÷ Life Expectancy Factor
Calculation Example

Scenario: A 73-year-old investor with a single IRA valued at $100,000 on December 31 of the previous year.

  1. Find the Life Expectancy Factor for age 73 from the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table: 26.5[citation:3]
  2. Apply the formula: $100,000 ÷ 26.5 = $3,773.58
  3. Result: The investor must withdraw at least $3,773.58 by December 31 of the current year to avoid penalties.

Note: The life expectancy factor decreases each year, so your RMD percentage increases as you age.

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Frequently Asked Questions About RMDs

What is the RMD age for 2026?

For 2026, the Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) age is 73 for individuals who turned 72 after January 1, 2023. This was established by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023[citation:6]. It's important to note this age will increase again to 75 starting in 2033[citation:3].

What is the penalty for missing an RMD?

The penalty for not taking your full RMD by the deadline is 25% of the amount that should have been withdrawn[citation:3][citation:8]. If you correct the mistake within a two-year "correction window" by taking the missed distribution and filing a corrected tax return, this penalty may be reduced to 10%[citation:3][citation:8].

From which retirement accounts must I take an RMD?

RMDs are required from most tax-deferred retirement accounts, including Traditional IRAs, SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and other qualified employer-sponsored plans[citation:8]. RMDs are generally not required from Roth IRAs during the original owner's lifetime[citation:3][citation:8].

Can I take my RMD from just one of my multiple IRA accounts?

Yes, if you have multiple IRA accounts, you can calculate the RMD for each one separately, sum the total, and then withdraw the entire amount from just one IRA if you wish[citation:3]. However, this aggregation rule does NOT apply to 401(k) accounts; you must take a separate RMD from each employer-sponsored plan[citation:3].

What is the deadline for taking my first RMD?

You have two options for your first RMD: you can take it by December 31 of the year you turn 73, or you can delay it until April 1 of the following year[citation:3]. If you choose the April 1 deadline, you must take two distributions in that same calendar year: the delayed first-year RMD and the current year's RMD by December 31[citation:3][citation:8].

Strategic RMD Planning & Advanced Considerations

Tax Planning Strategies

RMDs are taxed as ordinary income at your federal income tax rate[citation:3]. Consider these strategies:

What to Do with Your RMD If You Don't Need the Cash

If you don't need your RMD for expenses, consider these options:

Important Update for Inherited IRAs: The SECURE Act changed distribution rules for inherited IRAs. Most non-spouse beneficiaries must now withdraw all assets within 10 years of inheritance[citation:8]. Special rules apply for eligible designated beneficiaries like surviving spouses, minor children, disabled individuals, and those within 10 years of the deceased's age[citation:8].