Freedom Capital Advisors
Free RMD Calculator
If you hold a traditional IRA, 401(k), 403(b), or similar tax-deferred retirement account, the IRS requires you to begin taking withdrawals at a certain age, whether you need the income or not. These are called Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). Under the SECURE 2.0 Act, most taxpayers must begin taking RMDs at age 73. Those born in 1960 or later start at age 75.
Missing an RMD carries real consequences. The IRS can assess a penalty of 25% on the amount not withdrawn, reduced to 10% if corrected within a two-year window. Beyond the penalty, RMDs are taxed as ordinary income, which means they can affect your tax bracket, Medicare premiums (IRMAA), and other income-sensitive calculations. Planning your distributions thoughtfully rather than reactively can make a meaningful difference in what you actually keep.
The calculator below estimates your RMD using the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table (Publication 590-B). Enter your December 31 account balance from the prior year and your age as of this December 31.
Not Sure What to Do With Your RMD?
Knowing the number is only the first step. How you handle your RMD matters. Whether you reinvest it, spend it strategically, or incorporate it into a broader income plan, the decision can have a significant impact on your long-term financial picture.
Common questions we help clients work through:
- Should I reinvest my RMD or use it as income?
- How does my RMD affect my tax bracket this year?
- Can I use a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) to satisfy my RMD?
- How do RMDs interact with Social Security and Medicare premiums?
