Retirement Planner Calc

Last Updated: May 2026

RMD Calculator 2026

Calculate your Required Minimum Distribution for 2026 using the official IRS Uniform Lifetime Table.

The IRS requires that you withdraw a minimum amount from your Traditional IRA, 401(k), SEP IRA, and most other tax-deferred accounts every year starting at age 73. If you miss the deadline, the penalty is 25% of the amount you did not withdraw. On a $20,000 RMD, that is a $5,000 penalty.

This calculator uses the updated Uniform Lifetime Table effective since 2022. It shows your exact 2026 RMD, the IRS divisor for your age, and a 10-year RMD projection so you can plan ahead.

Enter your account balance as of December 31, 2025. That is the number the IRS uses to calculate your 2026 distribution.

Your Inputs

Your 2026 RMD

$20,325

≈ $1,694 per month · divisor 24.6

First-Year RMD Notice

Your first RMD must be taken by April 1 of the year after you turn 73. If you delay your first RMD to April, you must take TWO RMDs in the same calendar year — which could push you into a higher tax bracket. Consider taking your first RMD before December 31 instead.

Penalty for Missing an RMD

Missing an RMD triggers a 25% excise tax on the amount not withdrawn. On a $10,000 missed RMD, that's a $2,500 IRS penalty.

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10-Year RMD Projection

YearAgeEst. BalanceDivisorRMD
202675$500,00024.6$20,325
202776$503,65923.7$21,251
202877$506,52722.9$22,119
202978$508,62922$23,119
203079$509,78521.1$24,160
203180$509,90620.2$25,243
203281$508,89619.4$26,232
203382$506,79718.5$27,394
203483$503,37317.7$28,439
203584$498,68116.8$29,683

Balance projections assume 5% annual return and that you withdraw only the RMD each year.

Reduce Future RMDs with a Roth Conversion

Converting Traditional IRA funds to a Roth IRA before age 73 permanently removes those dollars from future RMD calculations — potentially saving thousands in taxes. See our Roth conversion calculator →

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Frequently Asked Questions

Your RMD is calculated by dividing your retirement account balance as of December 31 of the prior year by the IRS life expectancy factor for your age from the Uniform Lifetime Table. For example, a 75-year-old with a $500,000 IRA balance divides $500,000 by 24.6 to get an RMD of $20,325. A 80-year-old with the same balance divides by 20.2 to get $19,802. The divisor decreases each year as you age, causing your RMD percentage to increase over time even if your balance stays flat.
RMDs apply to Traditional IRAs, SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, 457(b) governmental plans, and profit-sharing plans. Roth IRAs are completely exempt from RMDs during the owner's lifetime — one of the most significant tax advantages of Roth accounts. Roth 401(k)s are also exempt from RMDs as of 2024 under SECURE 2.0 (previously they required RMDs). If you have multiple Traditional IRAs, you must calculate each separately but can withdraw the total from one or multiple IRA accounts of the same type.
Missing or underpaying an RMD triggers a 25% excise tax on the shortfall under SECURE 2.0 (reduced from the previous 50% penalty). If you miss a $10,000 RMD, you owe a $2,500 IRS penalty on top of the regular income tax due on the distribution. If you correct the error within a two-year window, the penalty is further reduced to 10%. To avoid penalties, take your full RMD by December 31 each year. Your first RMD has a special deadline — April 1 of the year after you turn 73 — but delaying the first RMD means you take two in the same calendar year.
Yes. The RMD is a minimum, not a maximum. You can withdraw any amount above your RMD from your retirement account at any time — the excess withdrawal is simply taxed as ordinary income. However, taking more than your RMD does not reduce future years' RMD requirements, which are recalculated each year based on the new December 31 balance. Strategic Roth conversions can reduce future RMDs by shifting assets from Traditional IRA accounts — subject to RMDs — to Roth IRA accounts — which are not.
The IRS gives first-time RMD recipients a one-time grace period: your very first RMD can be delayed until April 1 of the year after you turn 73. However, if you take advantage of this delay, you must take two RMDs in that calendar year — one by April 1 (for the prior year) and one by December 31 (for the current year). Taking two distributions in one year could push you into a higher income tax bracket. For most retirees, taking the first RMD before December 31 of the year they turn 73 is simpler and avoids the double-distribution tax issue.
Every dollar converted from a Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA permanently removes it from future RMD calculations. If you convert $100,000 from a Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA before age 73, you pay income tax on the $100,000 in the conversion year, but that $100,000 and all its future growth are never subject to RMDs. For retirees with large Traditional IRA balances, Roth conversions in the years between retirement and age 73 — when income may be lower — can significantly reduce lifetime RMD obligations and the associated income tax burden.

RMD Deadlines and Key Rules for 2026

When do RMDs start? RMDs begin at age 73 for anyone born between 1951 and 1959. For those born in 1960 or later, RMDs begin at age 75 starting in 2033.

First RMD deadline: Your first RMD must be taken by April 1 of the year after you turn 73. All subsequent RMDs are due December 31.

The double-RMD trap: If you delay your first RMD to April 1, you must take a second RMD by December 31 of that same year. Two RMDs in one year could push you into a higher tax bracket. Most advisors recommend taking your first RMD before December 31.

Roth accounts: Roth IRAs have no RMDs during your lifetime. Roth 401(k)s are also exempt from RMDs as of 2024 under SECURE 2.0.

Multiple accounts: If you have several Traditional IRAs, calculate each separately. You may then withdraw the combined total from any one or more of your IRAs.

Missing an RMD: The penalty is 25% of the shortfall under SECURE 2.0 (reduced from 50%). You can apply to the IRS for a penalty waiver in cases of reasonable error.

Projections are estimates based on your inputs and assumed rates of return. Actual investment performance, tax rates, and Social Security benefits will differ. This calculator does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult a qualified financial advisor for personalized retirement planning.

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