Updated May 2026 — Use the retirement calculator to see how RMDs affect your total retirement plan.
What is an RMD?
An RMD is a required minimum distribution. Once you reach the required age, the IRS expects you to start withdrawing from Traditional retirement accounts whether you need the money or not.
That matters because forced withdrawals can increase your taxable income, raise Medicare costs, and change the order in which you should tap your accounts.
When do RMDs begin in 2026?
For most people, the starting age is 73 under current rules. The exact year depends on your birth year, so the practical answer is not just the age, but the calendar year you cross into it.
If you are approaching your early 70s, you should know:
- Traditional IRA balances will be affected
- 401(k) balances may be affected
- Roth IRAs are generally not subject to RMDs while you are alive
Why RMDs matter more than people expect
RMDs are not just a paperwork issue. They can push you into a higher tax bracket and create a surprise Medicare premium increase.
Example
See how RMDs change your tax bill
Estimate required withdrawals, income spikes, and the impact on your retirement plan.
Model My RMDs →If your spending plan assumes $60,000 of income, but an RMD adds another $25,000, your tax bill can jump quickly.
That is why a retirement plan needs to model the withdrawal schedule, not just the starting balance.
What to do before RMD age
1. Map your account types
Identify which accounts are pre-tax, Roth, and taxable.
2. Estimate future tax brackets
Look at your likely income from Social Security, pensions, and withdrawals.
3. Consider Roth conversions
Lower-income years before RMD age can be a useful window for Roth conversions.
4. Test multiple withdrawal strategies
Some retirees should withdraw more before RMD age to smooth taxes over time. Others should wait.
How to avoid an RMD surprise
The best approach is to model the first RMD year long before it arrives. That way you can decide whether to convert, spend down, or rearrange account withdrawals.
You can start with the retirement calculator and then compare scenarios with Roth conversion strategies.