Learn about required minimum distribution and safe money retirement strategies at SafeMoney.com.
Direct answer: Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) are mandatory annual withdrawals from tax-deferred retirement accounts, such as traditional IRAs and 401(k)s, starting at age 73 under the SECURE 2.0 Act (rising to 75 in 2033). If you turn 73 in 2026, your first RMD is due by April 1, 2027 — or take it by December 31, 2026 to avoid two taxable withdrawals in one year. The penalty for missing an RMD is 25% of the shortfall, reduced to 10% if corrected within two years.
Your RMD equals your account balance on December 31 of the prior year divided by the IRS life-expectancy factor for your age. The IRS explains the rules in its Required Minimum Distribution FAQs.
Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) let those 70½ or older donate up to $111,000 in 2026 directly from an IRA to charity — satisfying the RMD without increasing taxable income (limit inflation-adjusted annually per IRS Notice 2025-67). Roth conversions before age 73 reduce future RMDs, and Qualified Longevity Annuity Contracts (QLACs) can shelter up to $200,000 from RMD calculations. See the Retirement Planning guide for how RMDs fit a full income plan.
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