What are Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)?

RMDs are mandatory annual withdrawals from traditional IRAs, 401(k)s, and similar tax-deferred retirement accounts. The IRS requires them because these accounts have never been taxed, and RMDs ensure the money is eventually withdrawn and taxed. The amount is calculated by dividing your account balance by a life expectancy factor from IRS tables.

At what age do RMDs start?

Under current law (SECURE 2.0 Act), RMDs begin at age 73 for most people. Starting in 2033, the age increases to 75. Roth IRAs are exempt from RMDs during the owner's lifetime, which is one reason Roth conversions before RMD age can be a valuable strategy.

What happens if I miss an RMD?

The penalty for missing an RMD is 25% of the amount you failed to withdraw (reduced from the previous 50% penalty by the SECURE 2.0 Act). If you correct the error within two years, the penalty drops to 10%. To avoid this, set up automatic RMD distributions through your custodian or mark your calendar for the December 31 deadline each year.

Retirement

What Will Your Required Minimum Distributions Be?

Project every required minimum distribution from now through retirement — with year-by-year tax impact, QCD savings, and inflation-adjusted balances. Updated for SECURE Act 2.0 (age 73 or 75).

Current Monthly Payment

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New Monthly Payment

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Est. Interest Saved

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Break-Even

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Your Details

Current Age

Total IRA / 401(k) Balance

Prior year-end balance (Dec 31)

Expected Annual Return

This Year’s Required Minimum Distribution

$18,868

3.8% of your account balance

Est. tax on this distribution

$5,094

Net after tax: $13,774

Account Balance Over Time

Shows how your account balance changes over time as RMDs are withdrawn and remaining funds earn investment returns. Assumes 22% federal + 5% state tax rates.

Personal & Accounts

Current Age

Birth Year

RMDs begin at age 73 — 3 years away

Based on SECURE 2.0 for birth year 1956

Traditional IRA Balance

401(k) Balance Subject to RMD

If still working, 401(k) RMDs may be deferred

Combined balance: $500,000

Growth & Tax Settings

Expected Return

Inflation Rate

Federal Tax Rate

State Tax Rate

Combined rate: 27%

Advanced Options

Use QCD to reduce taxes

Spouse is 10+ years younger

Additional Annual Withdrawal

Beyond required RMD amount

Project Through Age

First RMD — Age 73

$21,842

6.5% avg. withdrawal rate over projection

Peak RMD at age 95

$45,446

Account Balance Over Time

Shows how your account balance evolves as RMDs are withdrawn and remaining funds earn investment returns.

Lifetime Totals

Total RMDs$797,396

Total Taxes$215,297

Net Distributions$582,099

Final Balance$376,974

Key Observations

Average withdrawal rate: 6.5% of balance

Account projected to last through age 95

Year-by-Year Projection

Age	Year	Balance	Factor	RMD	Tax	Net
70	2026	$500,000	—	—	—	—
71	2027	$525,000	—	—	—	—
72	2028	$551,250	—	—	—	—
73	2029	$578,813	26.5	$21,842	($5,897)	$15,945
74	2030	$584,819	25.5	$22,934	($6,192)	$16,742
75	2031	$589,979	24.6	$23,983	($6,475)	$17,508
76	2032	$594,296	23.7	$25,076	($6,770)	$18,305
77	2033	$597,681	22.9	$26,100	($7,047)	$19,053
78	2034	$600,161	22.0	$27,280	($7,366)	$19,914
79	2035	$601,525	21.1	$28,508	($7,697)	$20,811
80	2036	$601,667	20.2	$29,786	($8,042)	$21,743
81	2037	$600,476	19.4	$30,952	($8,357)	$22,595
82	2038	$598,000	18.5	$32,324	($8,728)	$23,597
83	2039	$593,959	17.7	$33,557	($9,060)	$24,497
84	2040	$588,422	16.8	$35,025	($9,457)	$25,568
85	2041	$581,067	16.0	$36,317	($9,806)	$26,511
86	2042	$571,988	15.2	$37,631	($10,160)	$27,470
87	2043	$561,075	14.4	$38,964	($10,520)	$28,443
88	2044	$548,217	13.7	$40,016	($10,804)	$29,212
89	2045	$533,611	12.9	$41,365	($11,169)	$30,197
90	2046	$516,858	12.2	$42,365	($11,439)	$30,927
91	2047	$498,217	11.5	$43,323	($11,697)	$31,626
92	2048	$477,639	10.8	$44,226	($11,941)	$32,285
93	2049	$455,084	10.1	$45,058	($12,166)	$32,892
94	2050	$430,527	9.5	$45,319	($12,236)	$33,083
95	2051	$404,469	8.9	$45,446	($12,270)	$33,176

About This Analysis

This calculator uses the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table from Publication 590-B. If your spouse is your sole beneficiary and more than 10 years younger, the IRS Joint Life and Last Survivor Table (Pub 590-B, Table II) permits a smaller RMD; this projector conservatively reports the Uniform Lifetime figure in that case — consult Publication 590-B or a tax professional for the exact joint-life amount. Tax estimates assume flat marginal rates and do not account for bracket changes, IRMAA surcharges, or Social Security taxation thresholds. Actual RMDs depend on your prior year-end balance as reported by your custodian. Results are for educational and planning purposes only and should not be considered tax or financial advice. Consult a qualified tax professional before making distribution decisions.

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What Will Your Required Minimum Distributions Be?

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