RMD Calculator - Calculate Required Minimum Distribution
Free RMD calculator to calculate required minimum distributions from retirement accounts using 2025 IRS Uniform Lifetime Tables and estimate tax impact for retirement planning
RMD Calculator
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What is an RMD Calculator?
An RMD (Required Minimum Distribution) Calculator is a free financial tool that calculates the minimum amount you must withdraw from your retirement accounts each year after reaching age 73 (as of 2025). The calculator uses IRS Uniform Lifetime Tables to determine your annual RMD based on your account balance, age, and beneficiary status.
This calculator is essential for retirees managing:
- Traditional IRAs - Calculate required withdrawals to avoid penalties
- 401(k) and 403(b) plans - Determine mandatory distributions from employer plans
- Tax planning - Estimate tax impact of RMDs on retirement income
- Penalty avoidance - Ensure compliance with IRS rules to avoid 25% excise tax
For comprehensive retirement income planning including Social Security benefits, use our Retirement Calculator to estimate total retirement income and determine if you're on track for your goals.
To calculate Social Security benefits and optimize claiming strategy, explore our Social Security Calculator to maximize lifetime benefits and coordinate with RMD planning.
For pension income calculations and payment options, check our Pension Calculator to compare lump sum versus annuity options and integrate with retirement income strategy.
To analyze annuity payout options and lifetime income, use our Annuity Payout Calculator to evaluate different payout structures and ensure stable retirement income.
For retirement savings projections and goal planning, try our Retirement Savings Calculator to determine required contributions and track progress toward retirement targets.
How RMD Calculator Works
The calculator uses the IRS formula for required minimum distributions:
Where:
- Account Balance = Balance as of December 31 previous year
- Life Expectancy Factor = From IRS Uniform Lifetime Table (2025)
IRS Uniform Lifetime Table (2025):
- Age 72: 27.4
- Age 73: 26.5
- Age 74: 25.5
- Age 75: 24.6
- Age 76: 23.7
- Age 77: 22.9
- Age 78: 22.0
- Age 79: 21.1
- Age 80: 20.2
If your spouse is your sole beneficiary and is more than 10 years younger, the Joint Life and Last Survivor Expectancy Table applies for a lower RMD.
Key Concepts Explained
The minimum amount you must withdraw annually from retirement accounts starting at age 73 (for those turning 72 after 2022). Failure to withdraw results in a 25% penalty on the shortfall.
IRS table that provides life expectancy factors based on your age. Updated in 2022 to reflect longer life expectancies, resulting in smaller RMDs and allowing retirement savings to last longer.
Your life expectancy factor from the IRS table. This number decreases each year as you age, requiring larger percentage withdrawals from your retirement accounts.
Legislation passed in 2022 that raised the RMD age from 72 to 73, reduced the penalty from 50% to 25%, and eliminated RMDs for Roth 401(k)s starting in 2024.
RMDs are taxed as ordinary income at your marginal tax rate. This calculator estimates tax at 22% for reference, but actual tax depends on your total income and tax bracket.
Strategy to donate up to $100,000 of your RMD directly to charity, satisfying the RMD requirement while excluding the amount from taxable income. Available at age 70½.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter Account Balance - Input your retirement account balance as of December 31 of the previous year
- Enter Your Age - Provide your age as of your birthday in the current year
- Select Account Type - Choose your retirement account type (Traditional IRA, 401(k), etc.)
- Spouse Beneficiary - Indicate if your spouse is sole beneficiary and more than 10 years younger
- Enter Spouse Age - If applicable, provide spouse's age for Joint Life table calculation
- Calculate - Click Calculate to see your required minimum distribution
- Review Results - Check annual RMD, tax impact, and remaining balance after distribution
Tip: Calculate your RMD before year-end to plan withdrawals strategically. Consider taking distributions early in the year to allow more time for tax planning.
Benefits of Using This Calculator
- Avoid Penalties - Calculate exact RMD to avoid 25% excise tax on shortfalls
- Tax Planning - Estimate tax impact and plan withholding or quarterly payments
- 2025 IRS Tables - Uses updated Uniform Lifetime Table for accurate calculations
- Spouse Beneficiary Option - Accounts for younger spouse to calculate lower RMD
- Remaining Balance - See account balance after RMD to plan future withdrawals
- Monthly Breakdown - Convert annual RMD to monthly amount for cash flow planning
- Free and Instant - Get immediate results with no registration or personal information required
- Multiple Accounts - Calculate RMDs for each retirement account separately
Factors Affecting RMDs
- Age - RMD percentage increases each year as life expectancy factor decreases
- Account Balance - Higher balances result in larger absolute RMD amounts
- Beneficiary Status - Spouse sole beneficiary more than 10 years younger lowers RMD
- Account Type - Traditional IRAs and 401(k)s require RMDs; Roth IRAs do not
- Market Performance - Account balance fluctuations affect future RMD calculations
- Aggregation Rules - Can take total IRA RMD from one account, but 401(k)s must be separate
- Still Working - Can defer 401(k) RMDs if still working and not 5% owner
- Inherited Accounts - Different RMD rules apply to inherited retirement accounts
- QCD Strategy - Qualified Charitable Distributions can satisfy RMD while reducing taxable income
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an RMD calculator?
An RMD (Required Minimum Distribution) calculator is a free financial tool that calculates the minimum amount you must withdraw from your retirement accounts each year after reaching age 72. It uses IRS life expectancy tables to determine your annual RMD based on your account balance and age.
At what age do I need to start taking RMDs?
For individuals who turn 72 on or after January 1, 2023, RMDs must begin by April 1 of the year following the year you turn 73 (per SECURE 2.0 Act). For those who turned 72 before 2023, RMDs started at 72. Roth IRAs do not require RMDs during the owner's lifetime.
What happens if I don't take my RMD?
Failing to take your RMD or withdrawing less than required results in a 25% excise tax (reduced from 50% by SECURE 2.0 Act) on the amount not withdrawn. This penalty can be reduced to 10% if corrected within two years. Always consult a tax professional to ensure compliance.
How is my RMD calculated?
Your RMD is calculated by dividing your retirement account balance as of December 31 of the previous year by your life expectancy factor from the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table. If your spouse is your sole beneficiary and is more than 10 years younger, the Joint Life and Last Survivor Expectancy Table may apply for a lower RMD.
Which retirement accounts require RMDs?
RMDs are required for Traditional IRAs, SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, 457(b) plans, profit-sharing plans, and other defined contribution plans. Roth IRAs do not require RMDs during the owner's lifetime. Roth 401(k)s required RMDs before 2024, but SECURE 2.0 eliminated this requirement.
Can I take more than my RMD?
Yes, you can always withdraw more than your required minimum distribution. However, excess withdrawals in one year do not count toward future years' RMDs. Each year's RMD must be calculated and withdrawn separately. Keep in mind that all traditional IRA withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income.