RMD Survival Guide: Beat IRS Penalties & Keep More of Your Retirement Cash
The New RMD Rules You Can’t Ignore
1. Age Alert: 73 Just Became the Magic Number
Thanks to the SECURE Act 2.0, the RMD starting age jumped to 73 (up from 72). And it’s climbing to 75 by 2033 . Translation? If you turned 73 in 2025, your first RMD is due by April 1, 2026 —but wait until December 31 to avoid double taxation.
2. Delay Tactics That Actually Work
- Still working at 73? If you own less than 5% of your company, delay RMDs from your employer’s plan until retirement.
- Spousal loophole: Married to someone 10+ years younger? Use the IRS Joint Life Table to shrink your RMD (more on that below).
How to Calculate Your RMD Like a Pro
Step 1: Grab your account balance from December 31 of the previous year.
Step 2: Match your age to the IRS life expectancy table (we’ll tell you which one).
Step 3: Divide Step 1 by Step 2. Boom—that’s your RMD.
RMDs: Which Accounts Are on the Hook?
- Traditional IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s? Yep.
- Roth IRAs? Nope—unless you inherit one.
- Inherited accounts? The clock starts ticking immediately. Non-spouses face a 10-year liquidation rule (thanks, SECURE Act).
Tax Traps to Avoid
1. The Double Withdrawal Disaster
Delay your first RMD to April 1? You’ll take two distributions in one year , spiking your taxable income. Ouch.
2. Roth IRA Gotchas
Roth 401(k)s do require RMDs. Fix? Roll them into a Roth IRA (no RMDs there).
3. Charity Hack
Donate up to $100,000 annually via a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). It satisfies your RMD and lowers taxable income.
Penalties Are Brutal—But Fixable
Miss your RMD? The IRS charges 25% of the shortfall . Act fast: Fix it within two years, and the penalty drops to 10% .