403b RMD

Forum|Forum|7 months ago
October 22, 2025
1 reply
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I will turn 73 in late 2027.

Which month and year am I required to begin RMDs?

I plan to pay for my grandchild's college tuition beginning in the spring/summer of 2028.

May I receive a tax credit by sending the RMD of my 403b directly to my grandchild's college?

Thank you!

Ask the Experts - Navigating - Oct 2025

SwapnaM

Employee Tax Expert

You must take your first required minimum distribution for the year in which you reach age 73. However, you can delay taking the first RMD until April 1 of the following year. If you reach age 73 in 2027, you must take your first RMD by April 1, 2028, and the second RMD by Dec. 31, 2028.

Taking two RMDs in one calendar year could result in a much larger tax bill, so many people choose to take the first RMD in December of the year they turn 73 (December 2027) to spread the tax liability over two years.

RMDs are taxable income when withdrawn from a 403(b) or other retirement account. Even if you use the funds to pay for your grandchild’s tuition, the IRS does not allow a tax credit or deduction just for using RMDs for education expenses. This is not considered a qualified charitable distribution (QCD). Also, education tax credits can be claimed by the student or by the person claiming the student as a dependent.

IRS FAQ link: https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/retirement-plan-and-ira-required-minimum-distributions-faqs#:~:text=You%20must%20take%20your%20first,31%2C%202025.

@user17609906771 Thanks for the question!!

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