RMD Calculator (Required Minimum Distribution)

What it does

A required minimum distribution (RMD) is the amount the IRS requires you to withdraw each year from traditional IRAs and workplace plans such as a 401(k), starting the year you turn 73. It equals the account balance on December 31 of the previous year divided by the distribution period for your age in the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table. This calculator uses that table from Publication 590-B and projects the next RMDs with the return you expect.

How to use it

1. Type the account balance on December 31 of last year.
2. Type your year of birth and the year of the distribution.
3. Add the expected return to project your RMDs for the next years.

The arithmetic runs in your browser. Nothing you type is sent anywhere and nothing is stored, so you can use these with real numbers.

Frequently asked questions

When do RMDs start?
The year you turn 73 if you were born from 1951 to 1959, and the year you turn 75 if you were born in 1960 or later (SECURE 2.0 Act). The first RMD can wait until April 1 of the next year; the following ones are due by December 31.

Which accounts have RMDs?
Traditional, SEP and SIMPLE IRAs and workplace plans such as 401(k), 403(b) and 457(b). Roth IRAs have no RMDs while the owner is alive, and since 2024 neither do Roth accounts in workplace plans.

What happens if I miss an RMD?
The IRS charges an excise tax of 25% of the amount not withdrawn, reduced to 10% if you correct it within two years. You report it on Form 5329 and can ask for a waiver if the shortfall was due to a reasonable error.

Is the RMD taxed?
Yes, it is ordinary income in the year you take it, except for any part that comes from after-tax contributions. You can give it directly to charity as a qualified charitable distribution to keep it out of your income.

🌱 Roth IRA Calculator
🇺🇸 401(k) Calculator
🏖️ Retirement Calculator

IRS — Publication 590-B (Table III, Uniform Lifetime)
IRS — Required minimum distributions (RMDs)