Required minimum distributions are mandatory annual withdrawals the IRS requires from most pre-tax retirement accounts once you hit a certain age. SECURE 2.0 made three changes that are now fully in effect for 2026: a higher starting age, lower penalties, and the end of Roth 401(k) RMDs.
Who Must Take an RMD in 2026?
You are subject to RMDs if you have a traditional IRA, 401(k), 403(b), or most other pre-tax retirement accounts and you are:
- Born between 1951 and 1959 and turned 73 in 2026, or
- Already past your required beginning date (RBD) from a prior year, or
- A non-spouse beneficiary who inherited a retirement account after 2019
Roth IRA: No RMDs during your lifetime. Roth 401(k): No RMDs starting in 2024, finally aligned with Roth IRAs.
Those born in 1960 or later will have an RMD starting age of 75, but that rule does not kick in until 2035.
How to Calculate Your 2026 RMD
Common Uniform Lifetime Table factors:
| Age in 2026 | IRS Factor | Effective withdrawal rate |
|---|---|---|
| 73 | 26.5 | 3.77% |
| 74 | 25.5 | 3.92% |
| 75 | 24.6 | 4.07% |
| 76 | 23.7 | 4.22% |
| 80 | 20.2 | 4.95% |
Use Table III (Uniform Lifetime) for most situations. Use Table II (Joint Life) only if your spouse is your sole beneficiary and is more than 10 years younger than you.
RMD Deadlines: The April 1 Trap
Your very first RMD can be delayed to April 1 of the following year. Every RMD after that is due December 31.
The trap: delay your first RMD to April 1, 2027, and you must also take your 2026 RMD by December 31, 2026. That stacks two distributions into one tax year, potentially pushing you into a higher bracket or triggering IRMAA surcharges.
In most cases, taking the first RMD in the year you turn 73 is cleaner than doubling up in year two.
Penalty Reduction: From 50% to 25%
Miss an RMD and the old law hit you with a 50% excise tax on the shortfall. SECURE 2.0 cut that to 25%. Better: if you take the missed RMD and file IRS Form 5329 within the two-year correction window, the penalty drops to 10%.
First-time RMD misses that are self-corrected promptly often receive a full IRS waiver in practice. The IRS expects you to fix the error, not just pay the penalty.
QCDs: The Best RMD Strategy for Charitable Givers
A Qualified Charitable Distribution lets IRA owners aged 70.5 or older transfer funds directly to a qualified charity. For 2026, the limit is $111,000 per person (up from $108,000 in 2025).
Why QCDs are powerful:
- The distribution counts toward your RMD
- The amount is excluded from your taxable income entirely
- You do not need to itemize to benefit
- Lower AGI can reduce IRMAA, Medicare premiums, and the taxation of Social Security benefits
If you give to charity and take RMDs, directing those dollars through a QCD is almost always the better move.
What to Do If You Missed an RMD
- Take the distribution now, even if late.
- File Form 5329 with your tax return to report and calculate the excise tax.
- Attach a letter requesting a penalty waiver explaining the error and the correction.
- First-time misses that are corrected quickly are routinely waived.
For inherited IRA rules under the 10-year distribution requirement, see our guide to the inherited IRA 10-year rule.
RMD planning involves more than just the withdrawal amount. The timing, account sequencing, and Roth conversion strategy around RMDs can meaningfully affect your tax bill over a decade. Contact TS CPA to model your distribution plan before year-end.