RMD Guide 2026: Required Minimum Distributions Explained

March 15, 2026 · 5 min read

Starting at age 73, the IRS requires you to withdraw a minimum amount from your Traditional IRA, 401K, and other tax-deferred accounts each year. Calculate yours with our RMD Calculator.

Key RMD Rules for 2026

Age 73: RMDs begin (for those born 1951-1959). Age 75: RMDs begin starting 2033 (born 1960+). Roth IRAs: NO RMDs during owner's lifetime. Penalty: 25% of missed RMD (down from 50%). First RMD: can be delayed to April 1 of the following year (but then you take two in one year).

Strategies to Minimize RMD Impact

Roth conversions: Convert Traditional to Roth before 73 to reduce future RMDs. Our Roth Conversion Calculator shows if this makes sense. Qualified Charitable Distributions: Donate up to $105,000 directly from your IRA to charity — counts as your RMD but isn't taxable income. Tax bracket management: Use our Tax Bracket Calculator to time withdrawals optimally. Consider your Social Security claiming strategy alongside RMDs.