About the Required Minimum Distribution Calculator
Once you reach the RMD age (currently 73), the IRS requires you to withdraw a minimum amount each year from tax-deferred accounts like a Traditional 401(k) or IRA. This calculator estimates that amount from your prior year-end balance and the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table.
How it’s calculated
RMD = prior year-end account balance ÷ the IRS distribution period (life-expectancy factor) for your age.
Example calculation
At age 73 with a $500,000 balance and a distribution period of 26.5, the RMD is about $18,868 for the year.
Frequently asked questions
When do RMDs start?
Currently at age 73 (under SECURE 2.0). Missing an RMD can trigger a stiff penalty, so it's important to take at least the required amount each year.
Do Roth accounts have RMDs?
Roth IRAs have no RMDs during the owner's lifetime, and Roth 401(k)s no longer require them either. RMDs apply to pre-tax accounts.
Retirement projections are estimates based on the assumptions you enter and do not guarantee future outcomes. Contribution limits and tax rules change over time — verify current figures and consider speaking with a financial professional.