Yes — if you are 73 or older and own a Traditional IRA, 401(k), SEP-IRA, or similar tax-deferred account, you are required to take a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) in 2026. Skipping it triggers a 25% IRS penalty on the amount you should have withdrawn.
Calculate My 2026 RMD FreeThe quick eligibility check
You need to take an RMD this year if all three of these are true:
- You were born in 1953 or earlier (age 73+ in 2026)
- You own at least one tax-deferred retirement account
- That account has a balance greater than zero
If you inherited an IRA, different rules apply regardless of your age. See the inherited IRA rules.
If you're still working and your only retirement account is your current employer's 401(k), a limited exception may apply. Learn about the still-working exception.
How your 2026 RMD is calculated
Your RMD is based on two numbers: your account balance as of December 31, 2025, and an IRS life expectancy factor tied to your current age.
Divide one by the other and you have your required amount for the year.
- The IRS factor comes from the Uniform Lifetime Table
- Each year the factor decreases slightly — so your required percentage rises as you age
- If you have multiple IRAs, calculate each separately, then take the total from any one of them
SimpleRMD runs this calculation in seconds using the current IRS tables. Free, no account required.
Don't start from scratch next year
The deadline for your 2026 RMD is December 31, 2026. Most people scramble in December — then repeat the whole process the following year.
SimpleRMD saves your inputs so next year takes seconds, not hours. Track multiple accounts, export a clean PDF for your CPA, and get a reminder in November before the deadline pressure hits.
- Free to calculate — no signup required
- Paid plan: saved inputs, multi-account dashboard, PDF export, deadline reminders
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice. IRS rules and tax laws are subject to change. Consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for guidance specific to your situation. SimpleRMD is a calculation and tracking tool — not a financial advisory service.