Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) are the minimum amounts the IRS requires you to withdraw annually from your retirement accounts once you reach a specific age. Because these accounts (like Traditional IRAs and 401(k)s) allowed you to grow your money tax-deferred, RMDs are the government's way of finally collecting its share of taxes.
Here are the requirements as they stand for the 2026 tax year:
Based on the SECURE 2.0 Act, the age at which you must begin taking RMDs has increased. Your "Required Beginning Date" depends entirely on your birth year:
If you were born in 1950 or earlier, required to take RMDs at age 72 or 70½.
If you were born between 1951 – 1959, required to take RMDs at Age 73 If you turn 73 in 2026, your first RMD is for the 2026 tax year. You have until April 1, 2027, to take that first distribution, but all subsequent RMDs must be taken by December 31 of each year.
These accounts require RMDs: Traditional IRAs, SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b) plans.
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