- What is a Required Minimum Distribution?
- An RMD is the minimum amount the IRS requires you to withdraw from traditional IRAs, 401(k)s, and most other tax-deferred retirement accounts each year starting at age 73 (under the SECURE 2.0 Act). Roth IRAs do not have RMDs during the account owner's lifetime.
- How is the RMD calculated?
- RMD = Account Balance (as of December 31 of the prior year) / Distribution Period from the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table. The distribution period is based on your age and decreases each year, resulting in larger RMDs as you age.
- What happens if I miss an RMD?
- The penalty for not taking a required minimum distribution is 25% of the amount not withdrawn (reduced to 10% if corrected within two years). This is one of the steepest tax penalties in the US tax code. Consult a tax advisor if you have missed an RMD.
- Do I have to take the RMD all at once?
- No. You can take multiple withdrawals throughout the year as long as the total meets or exceeds your RMD amount. The entire RMD is taxable as ordinary income in the year withdrawn. Some retirees spread withdrawals monthly for predictable income.
