Retirement accounts are designed to help you save for the future, but the IRS doesn't allow those funds to stay tax-deferred forever. At some point, you'll need to begin taking Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from certain retirement accounts.
For tax year 2026, the rules established by the SECURE 2.0 Act are still in effect. Most account owners must begin taking RMDs when they reach age 73, although the required age increases to 75 for some younger taxpayers.
Roth IRAs are different. Original Roth IRA owners are not required to take RMDs during their lifetime.
When Is My First RMD Due?
The date of your first RMD depends on the type of retirement account you have.
Traditional IRAs, SEP IRAs, and SIMPLE IRAs
You generally must begin taking RMDs by:
- April 1 of the year following the year you reach age 73 (if you were born between 1951 and 1959), or
- April 1 of the year following the year you reach age 75 (if you were born in 1960 or later).
For example, if you turn 73 during 2026, your first RMD is for 2026 and must be taken no later than April 1, 2027.
401(k)s, 403(b)s, Profit-Sharing Plans, and Other Defined Contribution Plans
Your first RMD is generally due by April 1 following the later of:
- The year you reach the applicable RMD age (73 or 75, depending on your birth year), or
- The year you retire, if your employer's plan allows you to delay distributions until retirement.
Because plan rules can vary, it's a good idea to review your plan documents or speak with your plan administrator.
When Are Future RMDs Due?
You must take your first RMD for the year you reach the applicable RMD age. While you can delay that first withdrawal until April 1 of the following year, doing so means you'll need to take two distributions in the same year:
- Your delayed first RMD by April 1.
- Your second RMD by December 31 of that same year.
For example, if you turn 73 in 2026:
- Your first RMD for 2026 is due by April 1, 2027.
- Your second RMD for 2027 is due by December 31, 2027.
After your first required distribution, all future RMDs must generally be taken by December 31 each year.
What Happens If I Miss an RMD?
If you don't withdraw the full required amount by the deadline, the IRS may assess an excise tax on the portion that was not withdrawn.
For tax year 2026:
- The penalty is generally 25% of the amount not taken.
- The penalty may be reduced to 10% if the mistake is corrected within the IRS correction window and other requirements are met.
To report the missed RMD and calculate any penalty, you'll generally need to file Form 5329 with your federal tax return.
Can the IRS Waive the Penalty?
Yes. If the shortfall happened because of a reasonable error and you're taking steps to correct it, the IRS may waive the penalty.
To request relief:
- Withdraw the missed RMD amount as soon as possible.
- Complete Form 5329.
- Include an explanation describing the reasonable error and the actions you took to correct it.
The IRS will review your request and determine whether a full or partial waiver is appropriate.
Key Takeaway
Most retirement account owners must begin taking RMDs once they reach the applicable IRS age requirement. Your first distribution is generally due by April 1 of the year after you reach that age, and future RMDs are typically due by December 31 each year. If you're unsure whether an RMD applies to you, reviewing your account type and birth year can help you avoid costly penalties and stay compliant with IRS rules.
Main Updates for 2026
- RMD age remains 73 for individuals born between 1951 and 1959.
- RMD age is 75 for individuals born in 1960 or later.
- The excise tax for missed RMDs is generally 25%, not 50%.
- Roth IRA owners still do not have lifetime RMD requirements.