RMD Calculator (US)
Calculate your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) for IRAs and 401(k) plans. Free US retirement distribution calculator using the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table.
About This Calculator
The Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) Calculator (US) helps you determine the minimum amount you must withdraw from your traditional IRA, SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA, or employer-sponsored retirement plan (such as a 401(k) or 403(b)) once you reach age 73. This calculator uses the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table (Table III) as published in IRS Publication 590-B.
The RMD is calculated by dividing your previous year-end account balance by a distribution period factor based on your age. For example, at age 73, the factor is 26.5 years. If your IRA balance was $500,000 on December 31 of last year, your RMD for this year would be $500,000 ÷ 26.5 = $18,868. You must take this distribution by December 31 of the current year (or by April 1 of the following year for your first RMD).
This calculator is specifically designed for US taxpayers with retirement accounts governed by the Internal Revenue Code. The SECURE Act 2.0 raised the RMD starting age from 72 to 73 for those who turn 73 in 2023 or later, and it will increase to age 75 starting in 2033. If you have a spouse who is more than 10 years younger and is the sole beneficiary of your IRA, you should use the IRS Joint Life and Last Survivor Expectancy Table instead for a potentially lower RMD.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)?
A Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) is the minimum amount you must withdraw from your traditional IRA, SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA, or retirement plan account each year once you reach age 73. The amount is calculated by dividing your account balance as of December 31 of the previous year by a life expectancy factor from the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table.
At what age do RMDs begin?
Under the SECURE Act 2.0, RMDs begin at age 73 for those who turn 73 in 2023 or later. If you turned 72 before 2023, your RMDs started at age 72. You must take your first RMD by April 1 of the year after you reach the applicable age, and subsequent RMDs by December 31 each year.
How is the RMD calculated?
Your RMD is calculated by dividing your retirement account balance as of December 31 of the previous year by a distribution period factor from the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table. For example, at age 73 the factor is 26.5, so a $500,000 account balance would have an RMD of $500,000 ÷ 26.5 = $18,868.
What types of retirement accounts require RMDs?
RMDs are required for traditional IRAs, SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, 457(b) plans, and other defined contribution plans. Roth IRAs do not require RMDs while the original owner is alive, but beneficiaries of Roth IRAs are subject to RMD rules.
What happens if I don't take my RMD?
If you fail to take your full RMD, you may be subject to an excise tax of 25% on the amount not distributed. If corrected within two years, the penalty may be reduced to 10%. File Form 5329 with the IRS to report and pay the excise tax.
Can I withdraw more than the RMD amount?
Yes, you can always withdraw more than the required minimum. However, the excess amount cannot be applied toward future years' RMD requirements. All distributions are generally taxable as ordinary income in the year they are withdrawn.
What if my spouse is more than 10 years younger than me?
If your spouse is the sole beneficiary of your IRA and is more than 10 years younger than you, you use the IRS Joint Life and Last Survivor Expectancy Table (Table II) instead of the Uniform Lifetime Table. This results in a smaller RMD because the joint life expectancy is longer.
Can I aggregate RMDs from multiple IRAs?
Yes, if you have multiple traditional IRAs, you can calculate the RMD for each separately but you can take the total amount from any one or more of your IRAs. However, for 401(k) plans, RMDs must be taken separately from each plan account.