Updated September 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?
The starting age depends on your birth year, not on one fixed age:
| Birth date | RMD age | First RMD year |
|---|---|---|
| Before July 1, 1949 | 70½ | Previously due under prior law |
| July 1, 1949–1950 | 72 | The year you turn 72 |
| 1951–1959 | 73 | The year you turn 73 |
| 1960 or later | 75 | The year you turn 75 |
SECURE 2.0 sets the age by birth year. That's why you'll see 73 and 75 quoted—and why the shorthand "RMDs start at 73" is wrong for anyone born in 1960 or later. Inherited accounts and some employer plans have additional rules; check the IRS RMD guidance for your account.
The deadline detail most people miss: your first RMD can be delayed until April 1 of the following year — but every RMD after that is due by December 31. Delaying the first one means taking two distributions in the same calendar year, which can push you into a higher bracket for that year. Most people take the first one in the year they reach their RMD age to avoid the double-up.
If you are approaching your early 70s, you should know:
- Traditional IRA balances will be affected
- 401(k) balances may be affected
See how RMDs change your tax bill
Estimate required withdrawals, income spikes, and the impact on your retirement plan.
Model My RMDs →- Roth IRAs are generally not subject to RMDs while you are alive
- Roth 401(k)s are also exempt from lifetime RMDs (as of 2024)
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
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.