IRA Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) Calculator
Calculate your Required Minimum Distribution from a traditional IRA or 401(k) based on account balance and age using IRS life expectancy tables.
How IRA Required Minimum Distributions Work
Once you reach age 73 (under SECURE 2.0 Act rules), the IRS requires you to withdraw a minimum amount from traditional IRAs, SEP IRAs, and 401(k)s each year. Failing to take the RMD triggers a 25% excise tax on the amount not withdrawn (reduced to 10% if corrected promptly).
RMD formula:
RMD = Account Balance (Dec 31 of prior year) ÷ Life Expectancy Factor
Life expectancy factors come from IRS Publication 590-B (Uniform Lifetime Table). Common factors:
| Age | Life Expectancy Factor |
|---|---|
| 73 | 26.5 |
| 75 | 24.6 |
| 80 | 20.2 |
| 85 | 16.0 |
| 90 | 12.2 |
Worked example:
- Age: 75 years old
- IRA balance on December 31 of prior year: $420,000
- Life expectancy factor: 24.6
RMD = $420,000 ÷ 24.6 = $17,073
You must withdraw at least $17,073 this calendar year.
Multiple account handling:
If you have multiple traditional IRAs, calculate each separately, then take the combined RMD from any one or combination of those accounts. 401(k) RMDs must be taken separately from each employer plan.
First RMD deadline:
Your first RMD (the year you turn 73) can be delayed until April 1 of the following year — but this means two RMDs in that second year, which can push you into a higher tax bracket.
Tax planning strategies:
- Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD): Donate up to $105,000/year directly from IRA to charity — satisfies RMD without increasing taxable income
- Roth conversions before age 73 reduce the traditional IRA balance and future RMDs