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RMD Calculator

Note: Enter the prior year-end balance for this specific account. IRAs can be aggregated; 403(b)s can be aggregated with other 403(b)s; 401(k)s and 457(b)s generally must be taken from each plan separately.

Note: If your spouse is more than 10 years younger and your sole beneficiary, the IRS Joint Life and Last Survivor Expectancy Table may apply. You can enter that factor in the override field to reflect it precisely.

Use our RMD Calculator to estimate your Required Minimum Distribution using the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table or your own override factor. Enter your age, account type, and balance to see how much you may need to withdraw this year.

What is a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)?

A Required Minimum Distribution is the minimum amount you must withdraw each year from most tax-deferred retirement accounts once you reach your RMD beginning age. For traditional IRAs, SEP and SIMPLE IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and governmental 457(b) plans, the IRS sets life expectancy factors that determine how your balance is divided to produce your annual RMD. Roth IRAs do not have lifetime RMDs for the original owner, but employer Roth accounts had RMDs prior to 2024; that requirement has been removed beginning in 2024.

When do RMDs start?

Under current law, your RMD beginning age depends on your date of birth. If you reached age 72 by the end of 2022, your RMDs follow the age 72 start. If you reach 72 during 2023 through 2032, your starting age is 73. For those who will reach the threshold after 2032, the starting age increases to 75. Your first RMD can be delayed until April 1 of the year after you reach your beginning age, but doing so means you will take two RMDs in the same calendar year.

The still-working exception

If you are still working for the employer sponsoring your plan and you do not own more than 5% of that business, you may delay RMDs from that employer’s 401(k), 403(b), or governmental 457(b) plan until you retire. This exception does not apply to IRAs. Our RMD Calculator includes a checkbox to account for the still-working exception for employer plans.

How the RMD Calculator works

By default, the calculator uses the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table (effective 2022 and later) to determine your distribution period based on your age at year-end. Your RMD equals your prior December 31 balance divided by the applicable distribution period factor. If your spouse is your sole beneficiary and is more than 10 years younger than you, the IRS Joint Life and Last Survivor Expectancy Table generally applies, which can result in a larger factor (and a smaller RMD). To reflect that precisely, enter the factor from the joint life table into the “Distribution period factor (optional override)” field.

What you need to enter

  • Prior December 31 account balance for the specific account.
  • RMD year you are calculating.
  • Your date of birth to determine your age and beginning age rules.
  • Account type to account for the still-working exception and aggregation rules.
  • Spousal details if your spouse is your sole beneficiary and may qualify you for the joint life table.
  • Optional: The IRS table factor if you prefer to override the default factor.

Important rules and tips

  • IRAs (traditional, SEP, SIMPLE) can be aggregated: you can take the total RMD from any one or a combination of your IRAs.
  • 403(b) plans can be aggregated with other 403(b)s, but not with IRAs or 401(k)s.
  • 401(k)s and governmental 457(b)s typically require calculating and taking the RMD from each plan separately.
  • If you delay your first RMD until April 1 of the following year, you will also need to take the RMD for that following year by December 31, potentially increasing your taxable income.
  • Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from IRAs, if you are age 70½ or older, can satisfy all or part of your RMD while excluding the distribution from taxable income, subject to IRS limits and rules.

Example

Suppose you are age 73 by the end of the year and your IRA balance on the previous December 31 was $400,000. Using the Uniform Lifetime Table, the distribution period at age 73 is 26.5. Your estimated RMD would be $400,000 ÷ 26.5 ? $15,094. If your spouse is your sole beneficiary and more than 10 years younger, the joint life table might yield a higher factor. Enter that factor in the override box to see the adjusted RMD.

Disclaimer

This RMD Calculator is for educational purposes only and does not provide tax, legal, or financial advice. Always verify results against IRS publications and consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.

FAQs

How does the RMD Calculator determine my starting age?

The RMD Calculator uses current IRS rules: 72 if reached by 2022, 73 if 72 is reached in 2023–2032, and 75 starting in 2033.

Can the RMD Calculator handle the still-working exception?

Yes. If you check that you’re still working and not a 5% owner, the calculator defers RMDs for that employer plan.

Does the RMD Calculator support joint life factors for a younger spouse?

It defaults to the Uniform Lifetime Table but lets you enter a joint life factor override for precise results.

Which accounts can I aggregate in the RMD Calculator?

IRAs can be aggregated with IRAs; 403(b)s with 403(b)s. 401(k)s and 457(b)s are generally calculated and taken separately.

What balance should I enter into the RMD Calculator?

Enter the prior December 31 balance for the account you’re calculating the RMD for.

Does the RMD Calculator account for delaying the first RMD until April 1?

It computes the annual amount; you can still delay the first RMD to April 1, but remember that may cause two RMDs in one year.

Can the RMD Calculator be used for Roth accounts?

Roth IRAs have no lifetime RMDs for original owners. Employer Roth RMDs were removed starting in 2024.

How accurate is the RMD Calculator result?

It uses IRS tables and your inputs. Custodians may round differently; always confirm with your provider or tax advisor.