RMD Age and Rules: What Is a Required Minimum Distribution?

Under current law, RMDs begin at age 73 for most account holders, with the age set to increase to 75 for those born in 1960 or later. RMDs apply to traditional IRAs, SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, and most employer-sponsored plans including 401(k)s and 403(b)s. Roth IRAs are not subject to RMDs during the original owner’s lifetime. The amount you must withdraw each year is calculated by dividing your account balance as of December 31 of the prior year by an IRS life expectancy factor from the Uniform Lifetime Table. Failing to take your full RMD results in a 25% excise tax on the amount not withdrawn, reduced to 10% if corrected promptly. Because RMDs count as ordinary income, large distributions can push you into a higher tax bracket, increase Medicare premiums, and trigger taxes on Social Security benefits. Planning around RMDs is a critical part of tax-efficient retirement income strategy.

Related Topics

IRA vs. 401k: What Is the Difference?

IRAs and 401(k)s are both tax-advantaged retirement accounts, but they differ in contribution limits, who controls investments, and how withdrawals are taxed.

How to Roll Over a 401k to an IRA

Rolling a 401(k) to an IRA is a common move at job change or retirement—and when done correctly, it is tax-free.

What Is a Roth IRA Conversion and Should I Do One?

A Roth conversion moves pre-tax retirement dollars into a Roth IRA—you pay tax now for tax-free growth and qualified withdrawals later.

Roth Conversion Ladder

Supporting guide in Retirement Accounts & Tax Planning Guide focused on roth conversion ladder.

Taxes in Retirement: What You Need to Know

Retirement does not end tax obligations—withdrawals, Social Security, capital gains, and RMDs all affect what you owe each year.

How to Minimize Taxes in Retirement

Minimizing retirement taxes is about when and from which accounts you take income—not avoiding what you legally owe.

401k Withdrawal Rules and Penalty-Free Withdrawal Options

Knowing when you can access a 401(k) without the 10% early penalty helps you plan a tax-efficient retirement income sequence.

401k Contribution Limits, Catch-Up Contributions, and Maximizing Your Savings

Maxing 401(k) and IRA contributions in the years before retirement is one of the most effective ways to build tax-advantaged wealth.

Taxes on Social Security Benefits

Up to 85% of Social Security can be federally taxable based on combined income—and Georgia does not tax benefits at the state level.

Capital Gains Tax in Retirement

Long-term capital gains rates of 0%, 15%, or 20% create planning opportunities when you manage ordinary income in retirement.

What Is the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) and Does It Affect Retirees?

The AMT is a parallel tax system that can still matter in retirement when Roth conversions, capital gains, or stock options spike income.

Pension vs. 401k: Defined Benefit vs. Defined Contribution and the Difference Between a Pension and an Annuity

Pensions guarantee lifetime income from an employer; 401(k)s put investment and longevity risk on you—annuities are a product you buy to create similar income.

What Is an Annuity and How Does It Compare to a 401k?

Annuities trade fees and complexity for guaranteed income you cannot outlive—401(k)s offer flexibility without guarantees.

What Is a Target Date Fund and How Does It Work in a 401k?

Target date funds automatically shift from stocks toward bonds as retirement approaches—a reasonable default, but not personalized to your full financial picture.

Income Sources in Retirement: Building a Reliable Retirement Paycheck

A secure retirement income plan usually coordinates Social Security, workplace accounts, IRAs, taxable investments, and other streams—not a single source.

Should I Consolidate My Retirement Accounts?

Consolidating old 401(k)s and IRAs can simplify planning and RMDs—but some plans offer lower fees or stronger creditor protection worth keeping.

How to Maximize Retirement Contributions

In the years before retirement, maxing 401(k), IRA, and HSA contributions—and catch-ups where eligible—can meaningfully grow tax-advantaged wealth.

Should I Roll Over My 401k?

When you leave an employer, you can leave the 401(k), roll to a new plan, roll to an IRA, or cash out—only cashing out is usually the worst choice.

Foreign Pension Plans, Expat Retirement Taxes, and FBAR Reporting

Foreign pensions and accounts add FBAR, FATCA, and treaty complexity to U.S. retirement planning—errors can carry severe penalties.

Retirement Investing For Beginners

Supporting guide in Retirement Accounts & Tax Planning Guide focused on retirement investing for beginners.

Should I Take A Lump Sum Pension

Supporting guide in Retirement Accounts & Tax Planning Guide focused on should i take a lump sum pension.