I turn 73 in 2025 so must start taking RMDs. Can I split my 'initial' RMD between 2025 & 2026 as long as my full RMD for 2025 is done by April 1, 2026? Will the IRS know?

[rmfrog1]

I want to split the RMD for tax year 2025 in order to avoid the Medicare IRMAA later that's calculated on tax year 2025 (I'll get hit by it for tax year 2026). If I show a reduced RMD for 2025 (but plan to fulfill my 2025 obligation by April 1, 2026), will IRS & TurboTax documentation know that and account for that?

[VolvoGirl · Accepted solution]

Yes you can split it up.  Then don’t forget to take the 2026 RMD by 12/31/26.

[dmertz · Accepted solution]

Your 2025 MAGI affects your 2027 IRMAA, not your 2026 IRMAA.

As VolvoGirl said, you can split your 2025 RMD between 2025 and early 2026.  There is nothing special about reporting RMDs (as long as you complete the RMD by the deadline).  The RMDs are reported just like any other distribution.  The IRS doesn't care that the amount that you will be reporting on your 2025 tax return is less than the full RMD for 2025.  No explanation to the IRS is needed.

[nmc51]

Hi, Thanks for posting this question, as I have exactly the same issue but for 2024/2025 since I turned 73 this year.  I understand I can split, and that I need to complete the 1st 2024 RMD by early April 2025 and also take a full 2025 RMD . 

What I still find confusing is how to list the split RMD in TurboTax/on Fed tax forms.  I think TT/the tax form asks what the full initial RMD amount is - say it's 10k, but my 2024 distribution is only 8k, with a plan for the remainder 2k in January.   Is there something I need to do to clarify what I'm doing or do I just fill in the 8k and assume it gets sorted out in the following year taxes?   Visions of IRS and penalties......

[VolvoGirl]

When it asks you say you took the full amount.   8,000 is the full amount.   Then on your 2025 return you don’t need to say some was for 2024.  You should get one 1099R for the total distributed in 2025 including the part for 2024.