At what age do RMDs start?

Under the SECURE Act 2.0, Required Minimum Distributions generally begin at age 73 (rising to 75 in 2033). Your first RMD can be delayed to April 1 of the year after you turn 73.

How is the RMD calculated?

RMD = prior year-end account balance ÷ the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table distribution period for your age.

What is the penalty for missing an RMD?

The excise tax is 25% of the amount not taken, reduced to 10% if corrected within the IRS correction window. This is far steeper than ordinary income tax, so RMDs should not be missed.

Do Roth accounts have RMDs?

Roth IRAs have no RMDs during the original owner's lifetime. Beginning in 2024, Roth 401(k)s also no longer require RMDs for the original owner.

Does this use the right IRS table?

Yes — the Uniform Lifetime Table effective 2022. A different table applies if your sole beneficiary is a spouse more than 10 years younger.

RMD Calculator

Calculate your Required Minimum Distribution from a Traditional IRA or 401(k) using the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table.

Your account

Your age this year RMDs generally begin at 73 (SECURE Act 2.0). Balance on Dec 31 last year

Required Minimum Distribution

Distribution period · effective rate

If you withdraw nothing

The IRS excise tax would be about (25% of the shortfall; 10% if corrected in time).

How to Use

1
Enter your age. Enter the age you will reach this year. RMDs generally begin at age 73.
2
Enter the balance. Enter your account balance as of December 31 of last year.
3
See your RMD. Your Required Minimum Distribution and effective withdrawal rate are shown instantly.
4
Check the penalty. See the excise tax that applies if you withdraw less than required.

Calculation Method

The Required Minimum Distribution is your prior year-end balance divided by the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table distribution period for your age:

RMD = balance_{Dec 31} ÷ distribution_period(age)

For example, the distribution period is 26.5 at age 73 and 24.6 at age 75. The excise tax on a missed RMD is 25% of the shortfall, reduced to 10% if corrected within the IRS correction window.

Examples

Example. A 73-year-old with $500,000 in a Traditional IRA on December 31: $500,000 ÷ 26.5 ≈ $18,868 RMD for the year. Failing to take it could cost about $4,717 in excise tax.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Disclaimer: Calculations are projections based on the assumptions you provide and are for informational purposes only. They are not financial, tax, or investment advice. Investment returns are not guaranteed. Consult a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) before making retirement decisions.

Data source: IRS Uniform Lifetime Table (effective 2022). RMD age 73 under SECURE Act 2.0.