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Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) Calculator
Calculate your annual Required Minimum Distribution from your IRA or 401k using the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table. See the penalty if you miss the deadline.
This year's RMD
$28,302
IRS distribution period (years)
26.5
Estimated next year's RMD
$30,000
Excise tax if RMD missed (25%)
$7,075
How the math works
Required Minimum Distributions must begin at age 73 (SECURE 2.0). The RMD is your Dec 31 account balance divided by the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table factor for your age.
Missing an RMD triggers a 25% excise tax on the undistributed amount (10% if corrected within the correction window). Roth IRAs are exempt from RMDs during the owner's lifetime.
EveryCalc calculators are designed for fast, practical estimates with transparent inputs and no required account. We use plain formulas, visible assumptions, and related tools so visitors can check the result from more than one angle.
Results are informational only. For financial, tax, legal, medical, construction, or other high-impact decisions, verify the output against primary sources or a qualified professional.
Learn more about our review process on the EveryCalc methodology page.
How this calculator works
What this page estimates
This Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) Calculator is built to give a quick, browser-based estimate for required minimum distribution (rmd). Calculate your annual Required Minimum Distribution from your IRA or 401k using the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table. See the penalty if you miss the deadline. The inputs stay on the page during normal use, and the result should be treated as an estimate for planning, comparison, or education rather than professional advice.
Calculation approach
The calculator applies the standard relationship implied by the inputs, then formats the answer so it can be checked and reused. For finance tools, the most important step is using consistent units, rates, time periods, and assumptions before comparing the result with another calculator or outside quote.
Example workflow
For example, start with a realistic value you already know, change one input at a time, and watch how the answer moves. That makes it easier to tell whether the result is being driven by the main amount, the rate, the time period, or a unit conversion.
Practical checks
- Use current, real-world numbers when the result affects money, health, tax, or legal decisions.
- Run a low, base, and high case when the inputs are estimates.
- Check the related calculators below when the next decision depends on a different assumption.
How to interpret the required minimum distribution (rmd) result
Best use
Use the result as a planning number for comparing payments, rates, returns, tax reserves, or cash-flow choices before you request a quote or make a commitment.
Cross-check
Compare the answer with the contract, lender estimate, tax form, brokerage statement, payroll record, or invoice that will control the real-world outcome.
Watch for
Do not rely on a single optimistic rate, return, or fee assumption. Money pages work best when you run low, base, and high cases and keep professional advice separate from the estimate.
This page belongs to the Finance calculator library, so the answer should be read in the context of the decision you are modeling rather than as a universal rule.
Before relying on this required minimum distribution (rmd) estimate
Most calculator mistakes come from the inputs, not the arithmetic. Use this short audit before you reuse the answer in a spreadsheet, quote, application, or important conversation.
Confirm source numbers
Match balances, rates, fees, taxes, income, and payment dates against the lender quote, payroll record, tax form, statement, invoice, or contract.
Separate cash flow from total cost
A lower monthly payment can still cost more over time if fees, interest, taxes, or a longer term are hidden in the structure.
Run conservative cases
Test at least one higher-cost or lower-return case before using the output for a purchase, refinance, investment, loan, or tax decision.
Rerun this page when the rate, price, term, fee, tax rule, income, expense, or expected holding period changes.
How to Use
- Enter your account balance as of December 31 of the prior year.
- Enter your age for this calendar year.
- Review your RMD amount and the excise tax if you miss the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do RMDs start?
Under SECURE 2.0 (effective 2023), RMDs begin at age 73 for most retirement accounts. If you turned 72 before 2023, older rules may apply.
What accounts require RMDs?
Traditional IRAs, SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and 457(b)s require RMDs. Roth IRAs do not require RMDs during the owner's lifetime.
What is the penalty for missing an RMD?
A 25% excise tax on the amount you should have taken but didn't. If you correct the error within the correction window, the penalty drops to 10%.
Can I take more than the RMD?
Yes — you can always take more than the minimum. Any amount above the RMD is still ordinary income. You cannot use excess distributions to reduce future RMDs.
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