Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) Calculator
Calculate the IRS-mandated minimum amount you must withdraw from your 401(k) or IRA each year once you reach age 73. Use this each December to avoid the steep 25% IRS penalty for under-withdrawing.
About this calculator
The IRS requires retirees to withdraw a minimum amount from tax-deferred accounts annually, preventing indefinite tax deferral. The formula is: RMD = accountBalance / lifeExpectancyFactor. The account balance is the value as of December 31 of the prior year. The life expectancy factor comes from the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table (or Joint Life Table if your sole beneficiary is a spouse more than 10 years younger). For example, at age 75 the IRS factor is 24.6, meaning you divide your balance by 24.6 to get your RMD. The required beginning date is April 1 of the year after you turn 73 (as of 2023 SECURE 2.0 rules). Failing to take your full RMD triggers a penalty of 25% of the shortfall, reduced to 10% if corrected promptly. RMDs apply to traditional IRAs, SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b) plans.
How to use
Suppose you are 75 years old with a traditional IRA balance of $500,000 on December 31 of last year. Step 1 — Look up your IRS Uniform Lifetime Table factor for age 75: it is 24.6. Step 2 — Apply the formula: RMD = $500,000 / 24.6 ≈ $20,325. Step 3 — You must withdraw at least $20,325 from this account by December 31 of the current year. If you have multiple IRAs, calculate each separately but you may aggregate withdrawals across them.
Frequently asked questions
What is the IRS life expectancy factor used to calculate RMDs?
The IRS publishes the Uniform Lifetime Table in IRS Publication 590-B, which lists a distribution period (life expectancy factor) for each age from 72 onward. For example, age 73 has a factor of 26.5, age 80 has 20.2, and age 90 has 12.2. Most account holders use this table. The only exception is if your sole beneficiary is a spouse who is more than 10 years younger — in that case you use the Joint Life and Last Survivor Table, which gives a larger factor and therefore a smaller RMD.
What happens if I don't take my required minimum distribution on time?
Missing or under-taking an RMD triggers an IRS excise tax of 25% on the amount not withdrawn — reduced to 10% if you correct the shortfall within two years. This penalty is in addition to regular income tax owed on the distribution. The IRS can waive the penalty in cases of reasonable error if you take corrective action and file Form 5329. It is critical to track RMD deadlines, especially in the first year when you have until April 1 of the following calendar year.
Do Roth IRAs require minimum distributions during the owner's lifetime?
No — Roth IRAs are exempt from RMD rules during the original owner's lifetime, which is one of their key tax advantages for estate planning. However, inherited Roth IRAs are generally subject to RMD rules for non-spouse beneficiaries under the 10-year rule introduced by the SECURE Act. Roth 401(k) accounts were previously subject to RMDs, but the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 eliminated that requirement starting in 2024. Always verify current IRS rules, as legislation in this area changes frequently.