A Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) is the minimum amount you must withdraw from most tax-deferred retirement accounts each year once you reach a certain age.
Who must take RMDs?
Roth IRAs have no lifetime RMD for the original owner. Roth 401(k) accounts are also exempt from RMDs starting in 2024.
How is the RMD calculated?
Your RMD equals your account balance as of December 31 of the prior year, divided by a life expectancy factor from IRS tables in Publication 590-B.
Most people use Table III (Uniform Lifetime Table). If your spouse is your sole beneficiary and more than 10 years younger, you use Table II instead.
When are RMDs due?
What happens if you miss an RMD?
The IRS imposes a 25% excise tax on the amount not withdrawn. This can be reduced to 10% if corrected within two years.