RMD Calculator (Required Minimum Distribution)

Under SECURE 2.0 (passed 2022), the RMD start age is 73 for individuals born 1951-1959, and 75 for those born 1960 or later. The first RMD can be delayed until April 1 of the year following the year you turn 73 (or 75), but subsequent RMDs must be taken by December 31 each year. Delaying the first RMD means taking two in one year - usually a tax mistake.

RMD = prior-year Dec 31 account balance ÷ IRS Uniform Lifetime Table divisor for your age. Sample divisors: age 73 = 26.5, 75 = 24.6, 80 = 20.2, 85 = 16.0, 90 = 12.2, 95 = 8.9. Each year the divisor decreases (and the percentage withdrawn increases). The Single Life Table is used for inherited IRAs (with separate rules). For account owners with a spouse 10+ years younger as sole beneficiary, the Joint Life Table allows smaller RMDs.

Under SECURE 2.0, the excise tax for failing to take an RMD was reduced from 50% to 25% of the missed amount - and to just 10% if you correct the shortfall within the "correction window" (generally 2 years). You can request a waiver via Form 5329 by demonstrating reasonable cause and that you've corrected the issue. The IRS is usually accommodating for first-time, good-faith errors.

If you are 70½ or older, you can transfer up to $108,000 (2026) directly from an IRA to a qualified charity. The QCD counts toward your RMD but is EXCLUDED from your taxable income (unlike a normal RMD followed by a deduction). This reduces AGI, which can reduce Medicare IRMAA surcharges, Social Security taxability, and itemized-deduction phase-outs. For charitably-inclined retirees, the QCD is one of the most efficient strategies in retirement.