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RMD Calculator

Once you turn 73, the IRS makes you pull a minimum amount out of your traditional IRA, 401(k), and similar pre-tax accounts every year. Skip it and you owe a 25% penalty on whatever you should have taken. Plug in your age and your balance from December 31 of last year, and this will give you the number to hit.

Heads up: these numbers are estimates. The tax code shifts every year, so check with your own CPA before you make a move.

What happens if you miss your RMD?

Missing your RMD triggers a 25% excise tax on the amount you should have taken. SECURE 2.0 reduced this from 50% in 2023 — but 25% is still a painful penalty on money you were going to owe tax on anyway.

When is the RMD deadline?

December 31 every year. Your very first RMD can be pushed to April 1 of the following year — but if you do that, you'll owe two RMDs in that calendar year, which can spike your tax bill unexpectedly.

Which accounts have RMDs?

Traditional IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and 457(b)s all require RMDs. Roth IRAs do not — which is one reason people convert before 73. Inherited IRAs have their own separate withdrawal rules.

CPA Tip

If you don't need the RMD income, look into a Qualified Charitable Distribution. You can send up to $108,000 directly from your IRA to a charity — it satisfies the RMD and doesn't show up as taxable income on your return.

Use our Roth conversion estimator to see what a conversion would cost before your RMDs begin.

These tools are here to help you think things through. They aren't tax advice. Run anything important by your own CPA before you act on it.