RMD Calculator
Estimate your Required Minimum Distribution from a retirement account using the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table factor for your age.
How it works
RMD = prior year-end account balance ÷ IRS Uniform Lifetime Table distribution period for your age
A Required Minimum Distribution is the amount the IRS forces you to withdraw each year from most tax-deferred retirement accounts once you reach the starting age, so the deferred taxes eventually get paid. The amount equals your prior year-end balance divided by a life-expectancy factor from the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table — the factor shrinks each year as you age, so the required percentage of the balance rises over time. Missing an RMD triggers a steep excise tax, so the figure is a floor you must take, not a target.
Worked example
A $500,000 traditional IRA balance at last year-end, for someone turning 73 this year, uses the age-73 factor of 26.5. The RMD is $500,000 ÷ 26.5 ≈ $18,868 for the year — about $1,572 a month if you draw it evenly.
Frequently asked questions
When do RMDs start?
Under the SECURE 2.0 Act the starting age is 73 for those who reach 72 after 2022, rising to 75 in 2033. Roth IRAs have no RMDs during the original owner’s lifetime, and some workplace Roth accounts are now exempt too.
What happens if I skip an RMD?
The penalty is an excise tax on the amount you failed to withdraw — 25% under SECURE 2.0, reduced to 10% if corrected promptly. Because the stakes are high, take the full RMD on time and consult a professional if unsure.
Which accounts require RMDs?
Traditional IRAs, SEP and SIMPLE IRAs, and most 401(k), 403(b) and 457(b) plans. This tool uses the standard Uniform Lifetime Table; a different table applies if your sole beneficiary is a spouse more than 10 years younger.
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Educational estimate only, not financial or tax advice. Retirement, contribution and tax rules change and depend on your personal situation — confirm with a licensed financial or tax professional.