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Use SmartAsset’s RMD calculator to see what your required minimum distributions look like now and in the future. Enter your retirement account balance at the end of the previous year, your age at the end of this year and the expected rate of return on the account to calculate your RMDs.
Do you have questions about planning or managing your retirement income? Speak with a financial advisor today.
Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) Calculator
Estimate your next RMD using your age, balance and expected returns.
RMD Amount for IRA(s)
RMD Amount for 401(k) #1
RMD Amount for 401(k) #2
About This Calculator
This calculator estimates RMDs by dividing the user's prior year's Dec. 31 account balance by the IRS Distribution Period based on their age. Users can enter their birth year, prior-year balances and an expected annual return to estimate the timing and amount of future RMDs.
For IRAs (excluding Roth IRAs), users may combine balances and take the total RMD from one or more accounts. For 401(k)s and similar workplace plans*, RMDs must be calculated and taken separately from each account, so balances should be entered individually.
*The IRS allows those with multiple 403(b) accounts to aggregate their balances and split their RMDs across these accounts.
Assumptions
This calculator assumes users have an RMD age of either 73 or 75. Users born between 1951 and 1959 are required to take their first RMD by April 1 of the year following their 73rd birthday. Users born in 1960 and later must take their first RMD by April 1 of the year following their 75th birthday.
This calculator uses the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table to estimate RMDs. This table generally applies to account owners age 73 or older whose spouse is either less than 10 years younger or not their sole primary beneficiary.
However, if a user's spouse is more than 10 years younger and is their sole primary beneficiary, the IRS Joint and Last Survivor Expectancy Table must be used instead. Likewise, if the user is the beneficiary of an inherited IRA or retirement account, RMDs must be calculated using the IRS Single Life Expectancy Table. In these cases, users will need to calculate their RMD manually or consult a finance professional.
For users already required to take an RMD for the current year, the calculator uses their account balance as of December 31 of the previous year to compute the RMD. For users who haven't yet reached RMD age, the calculator applies their expected annual rate of return to that same prior-year-end balance to project future balances, which are then used to estimate RMDs.
This RMD calculator uses the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table, but certain users may need to use a different IRS table depending on their beneficiary designation or marital status. It's the user's responsibility to confirm which table applies to their situation, and tables may be subject to change.
Actual results may vary based on individual circumstances, future account performance and changes in tax laws or IRS regulations. Estimates provided by this calculator do not guarantee future distribution amounts or account balances. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
SmartAsset.com does not provide legal, tax, accounting or financial advice (except for referring users to third-party advisers registered or chartered as fiduciaries ("Adviser(s)") with a regulatory body in the United States). Articles, opinions and tools are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Users should consult their accountant, tax advisor or legal professional to address their particular situation.
What Are Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)?
Once you reach a certain age, the IRS requires you to withdraw a minimum amount each year from most pre-tax retirement accounts. These withdrawals are known as required minimum distributions (RMDs), and their purpose is to ensure the government can receive tax payments on this money and its growth.
Your first RMD must be taken by April 1 of the year after you turn either 73 or 75. Here’s how to know which applies to you:
- If you were born between 1951 and 1959, your RMD age is 73.
- If you were born in 1960 or later, your RMD age is 75.
For those who turned 72 before Dec. 31, 2022, your RMDs likely began at age 72. In 2023, the SECURE Act 2.0 increased the RMD age to 73 and set the stage for it to rise to 75 in 2033.
Our RMD calculator is designed to help individuals estimate how much to withdraw from their pre-tax retirement accounts when they reach RMD age. Tools like this can help during the retirement planning process, and they may also help you avoid penalties.
Why RMDs Can’t Be Ignored
RMDs play a pivotal role in planning out a steady stream of income during retirement, and there are real penalties for not adhering to the rules. Most importantly, those who don’t take RMDs in time may face an excise tax of up to 25% on the amount they didn’t withdraw. Under the SECURE 2.0 Act, the 25% penalty drops to 10% if the RMD is corrected within two years. The IRS may waive the penalty under certain circumstances, though.
Additionally, RMDs can carry significant tax consequences because the distributions come from pre-tax accounts. When you withdraw assets from traditional IRAs or 401(k)s, you must pay income tax on them, with the exception of after-tax accounts like Roth IRAs and Roth 401(k)s. Therefore, by accurately calculating RMDs, retirees can plan their income tax liabilities and avoid potential financial hurdles that come with skipping that step.
When Do I Have to Take RMDs?
Your birth year ultimately determines when RMDs must begin, whether that starting age is 73 or 75. Knowing the specific deadlines and available exceptions can help you manage withdrawals in a way that supports tax efficiency and retirement income planning.
RMD Deadlines
In most cases, you must take your RMD by December 31 each year. However, the first RMD allows additional flexibility. You have until April 1 of the year following the year you reach your required beginning age to take your initial distribution.
While this delay can provide short-term flexibility, it also means you may need to take two distributions in the same calendar year, which could increase taxable income and potentially move you into a higher tax bracket.
RMD Exceptions
Certain exceptions allow you to delay RMDs beyond the standard starting age. If you continue working and do not own more than 5% of the company sponsoring your retirement plan, many employer-sponsored plans allow you to postpone RMDs until retirement.
This exception typically applies to workplace plans such as 401(k)s but does not apply to traditional IRAs, which generally require distributions once you reach the applicable RMD age regardless of employment status.
This delay can yield significant tax advantages, such as reducing your overall taxable income, for those deciding to work later in life. However, 401(k)s from previous employers may not allow you to do this. Furthermore, Roth accounts aren’t subject to RMD rules.
How to Calculate RMDs
RMDs are calculated using three primary factors: your age, your retirement account balance as of December 31 of the previous year and, in certain situations, the age of your spouse. Most account owners rely on the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table, which assumes a beneficiary of similar age and provides a distribution period used to determine the minimum annual withdrawal amount. To calculate the RMD, you divide the prior year-end account balance by the life expectancy factor assigned to your age.
If your spouse is more than 10 years younger than you and is your sole beneficiary for the entire year, the IRS requires use of the Joint Life and Last Survivor Table. Because this table reflects a longer combined life expectancy, it generally results in smaller required withdrawals. In contrast, inherited IRAs follow a different framework entirely, typically relying on the Single Life Expectancy Table, which determines required distributions based on the beneficiary’s age and applicable distribution rules.
Because the correct table depends on your specific situation, some people find it helpful to get guidance from a financial advisor when they are unsure which calculation applies to them.
IRS Uniform Lifetime Table
You must find the distribution period number that corresponds to your age and use that in the calculation. Here is what the Uniform Lifetime Table looks like:
| Age | Distribution Period in Years |
|---|---|
| 73 | 26.5 |
| 74 | 25.5 |
| 75 | 24.6 |
| 76 | 23.7 |
| 77 | 22.9 |
| 78 | 22.0 |
| 79 | 21.1 |
| 80 | 20.2 |
| 81 | 19.4 |
| 82 | 18.5 |
| 83 | 17.7 |
| 84 | 16.8 |
| 85 | 16.0 |
| 86 | 15.2 |
| 87 | 14.4 |
| 88 | 13.7 |
| 89 | 12.9 |
| 90 | 12.2 |
| 91 | 11.5 |
| 92 | 10.8 |
| 93 | 10.1 |
| 94 | 9.5 |
| 95 | 8.9 |
| 96 | 8.4 |
| 97 | 7.8 |
| 98 | 7.3 |
| 99 | 6.8 |
| 100 | 6.4 |
| 101 | 6.0 |
| 102 | 5.6 |
| 103 | 5.2 |
| 104 | 4.9 |
| 105 | 4.6 |
| 106 | 4.3 |
| 107 | 4.1 |
| 108 | 3.9 |
| 109 | 3.7 |
| 110 | 3.5 |
| 111 | 3.4 |
| 112 | 3.3 |
| 113 | 3.1 |
| 114 | 3.0 |
| 115 | 2.9 |
| 116 | 2.8 |
| 117 | 2.7 |
| 118 | 2.5 |
| 119 | 2.3 |
| 120 and over | 2.0 |
You can use this table to calculate your required minimum distribution amount this year by completing these steps:
- Locate your age on the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table
- Find the “life expectancy factor” that corresponds to your age
- Divide your retirement account balance (as of Dec. 31 of the previous year) by your current life expectancy factor
Since RMDs are recalculated annually, changes in your account balance and life expectancy will affect how much you must withdraw. It’s unlikely that you’ll withdraw the same amount each year.
Types of Retirement Accounts That Require RMDs
Most types of retirement accounts require you to take RMDs. Here’s a quick list of accounts that require RMDs:
- Traditional IRAs
- 401(k)s
- 403(b)s
- 457(b)s
- SIMPLE IRAs
- SEP IRAs
- Profit-sharing plans
- Any other defined contribution accounts not listed
RMDs are typically not required in Roth IRAs and other Roth accounts because they are funded with after-tax money.
Roth IRAs are only subject to RMDs when inherited by a beneficiary. In this case, the IRS does require that you take RMDs from the account.
Frequently Asked Questions
RMD calculations can raise several complex issues. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions in order to help you digest some of the more difficult pieces in this scenario.
Are Roth IRAs Subject to RMDs?
You typically won’t be required to take required minimum distributions out of your Roth IRA. Again, while this rule exists for your lifetime, if you die and pass on your Roth IRA to an heir, they will likely be required to take RMDs. There is an exception to this rule for your spouse, though.
How Is My RMD Calculated?
As discussed above, your RMD is calculated using the fair market value (FMV) of your IRA as of Dec. 31 and your life expectancy. Using the life expectancy distribution period and Uniform Lifetime Table provided by the IRS, you can then determine what your RMD will be for the year.
Can I Reinvest an RMD into a Tax-Advantaged Account?
No, this cannot typically be done. You can’t put these funds back into an IRA or 401(k) to take advantage of specific tax breaks. You can, however, invest the money into a taxable brokerage account after you’ve paid taxes on the distribution. If you don’t need the funds for expenses, you can put them in a high-yield savings account, invest in a 529 plan for a grandchild or donate to a qualified charity.
Who Qualifies as an Eligible Designated Beneficiary?
An eligible designated beneficiary (EDB) is always an individual who inherits a retirement account. These individuals have some flexibility when withdrawing funds from an inherited account. Trusts and other entities don’t qualify as eligible designated beneficiaries. There are five categories of individuals that qualify as EDBs. They are:
Bottom Line
RMD calculations and withdrawal strategies can affect cash flow and tax planning in retirement. Tools such as RMD calculators or retirement planning software can help with tracking required amounts, and some investors also seek professional guidance for more complex situations.
“While you’ll be required to calculate separate RMDs for each type of IRA (traditional, SEP, and SIMPLE) you own, the IRS allows you to take the distributions from a single IRA. The same withdrawal strategy can be used for 403(b)s, but not for 401(k)s. You can always take out more than your RMD if you need more for expenses in a given year, just know that any excess amount won’t count toward your RMD for the next year, since the calculations are performed annually,” Tanza Loudenback, CFP®.
Tanza Loudenback, Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), provided the quote used in this article. Please note that Tanza is not a participant in SmartAsset AMP, is not an employee of SmartAsset and has been compensated. The opinion voiced in the quote is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations.
Retirement Planning Tips
- Understanding RMD requirements is just one of many things you’ll want to plan out for your retirement. A financial advisor can help you build a retirement plan. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
- You can use SmartAsset’s retirement calculator to help you see how much you’ll need to retire comfortably.
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