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Data verified on 2026-04-20
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Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) Calculator 2026

Calculate your Required Minimum Distribution for traditional IRAs, 401(k)s, and inherited accounts using the 2026 IRS Uniform Lifetime Table.

$
2026 Required Minimum Distribution
$18,868
$1,572/mo · 3.77% of balance
IRS Life Expectancy Factor26.5
Est. Federal Tax (22% bracket)$4,151
Penalty if missed (25%)$4,717

5-Year RMD Projection

Assumes 5% annual growth on remaining balance after RMD withdrawal.

AgeBalanceIRS FactorRMD
73(current)$500,00026.5$18,868
74$505,18925.5$19,811
75$509,64724.6$20,717
76$513,37723.7$21,661
77$516,30222.9$22,546

IRS Uniform Lifetime Table 2026 (Key Ages)

| Age | Life Expectancy Factor | RMD % of Balance | |-----|----------------------|-----------------| | 73 | 26.5 | 3.77% | | 74 | 25.5 | 3.92% | | 75 | 24.6 | 4.07% | | 76 | 23.7 | 4.22% | | 77 | 22.9 | 4.37% | | 80 | 20.2 | 4.95% | | 85 | 16.0 | 6.25% | | 90 | 12.2 | 8.20% |

RMD Aggregation Rules

  • Multiple traditional IRAs: You calculate each account's RMD separately but can withdraw the total from any one (or any combination) of your IRAs.
  • Multiple 401(k)s: Must withdraw each account's RMD from that specific account — no aggregation allowed.
  • Inherited IRAs: Use the Single Life Expectancy Table, not the Uniform Lifetime Table. Non-spouse beneficiaries under SECURE Act rules must empty the account within 10 years.

Tax Impact of RMDs

RMDs are taxed as ordinary income. A large RMD can:

  • Push you into a higher bracket
  • Trigger IRMAA Medicare surcharges
  • Cause Social Security income to become more taxable (up to 85%)
Consider Roth conversions before RMDs begin to reduce the balance subject to future RMDs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: At what age must I take RMDs?

A: Under the SECURE 2.0 Act (2022), the RMD starting age is 73 for anyone born between 1951 and 1959, and 75 for anyone born in 1960 or later. Roth IRAs are NOT subject to RMDs during the owner's lifetime.

Q: What happens if I miss an RMD?

A: If you fail to take your full RMD, the IRS imposes a 25% excise tax on the amount not withdrawn. If corrected within 2 years, the penalty drops to 10%. The penalty was reduced from 50% by SECURE 2.0.

Q: How is RMD calculated?

A: RMD = Account Balance (Dec 31 of prior year) ÷ IRS Life Expectancy Factor from the Uniform Lifetime Table. At age 73, the factor is 26.5, so a $500,000 balance requires an RMD of $500,000 ÷ 26.5 = $18,868.

Q: Do I need to take RMDs from a Roth 401k?

A: Prior to 2024, Roth 401(k)s were subject to RMDs. SECURE 2.0 eliminated Roth 401(k) RMDs starting in 2024 — aligning them with Roth IRAs. You can now leave Roth 401(k) funds untouched indefinitely.

Important Disclaimer

This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice. Tax laws change annually — verify figures with IRS.gov or consult a qualified tax professional before making financial decisions.