RMD date

[Loraine9]

I am 70 years old turning 71 in September.  By what date do I need to make my first RMD from my 401k?

[GCEA]

Hi @Loraine9,

For the first year following the year you reach age 72, you will generally have two required distribution dates: an April 1 withdrawal for the year you turn 72 and an additional withdrawal by December 31. Please ensure to take the correct distribution amounts. If you don’t take any distributions, or if the distributions are not large enough, you may have to pay a 50% excise tax on the amount not distributed as required.

Below are some additional resources regarding RMDs :

Retirement Topics — Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) 

Tax Counseling for Seniors  

Thank you!

[Esther M]

Hello Loraine9,

Here's the rule from the IRS  "You generally have to start taking withdrawals from your IRA, SIMPLE IRA, SEP IRA, or retirement plan account when you reach age 72 (73 if you reach age 72 after Dec. 31, 2022), even if you're still employed."

 In your case, you will be 72yrs in Sept, 2024 (which is after Dec.2022), therefore you'll be taking RMD at age 73ys which is Sept, 2025, you have two options:

1. You can take your first RMD by Dec. 31, 2025 OR

2.  You can delay your first RMD until April 1,  2026.

If you choose to delay, you'll have to take your first and second RMD in the same year, which may push you into a higher tax bracket.

If you're still working, you may qualify for an exception from taking RMDs from your current employer-sponsored retirement account, such as a 401(k), 403(b), or small-business account. If you meet all of the requirements, you can delay taking an RMD from the account until April 1 of the year after you retire.

Here's some additional information Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)  

Sincerely,

[dmertz]

The SECURE 2.0 Act changed the age when you must begin RMDs to age 73, so 2025 is the first year for which you must take an RMD.  You have the option to delay this first RMD to April 1, 2026.