RMD at Age 73: What’s Up with That?

By Mark Leibman, President

We have noticed that the rules about IRA account withdrawals can cause some confusion, particularly among those who are getting close to the “Required Minimum Distribution” age.

Here, we’d like to cover what the basics might mean for most people, though it is not intended to be advice or a recommendation for your specific situation.

For traditional or rollover IRA account owners, withdrawals after age 59½ are free of penalty, but income taxes must be paid on the amounts withdrawn. One may withdraw money or not, in accordance with their needs and plans.

But beginning at age 73, the rules change.

For each year beginning with the year you turn 73, a “Required Minimum Distribution” (RMD) must be withdrawn:

  • “Required” means there is no option about it—it must be done.
  • “Minimum” means that you must withdraw at least the calculated amount, though you may withdraw more if you choose.
  • “Distribution” is simply the word the IRS uses for withdrawals.

The way the numbers work, the RMD starts out at a little under 4% of the account balance at age 73. Then, the RMD rises gradually each year. The RMD gets to a little over 5% at age 80 and closer to 10% by age 92. The withdrawals will be taxable—that is the whole object of the exercise, from the IRS’s perspective.

Even with those requirements, IRA accounts may still have significant balances until advanced ages.

Here are just a few fine points:

  • The calculation begins with the prior year-end balance.
  • The factor used comes from an IRS table, and we can do the arithmetic for you.
  • The withdrawal may be made any time in the calendar year.
  • If you have multiple IRA accounts, it can get confusing. Some people consolidate and simplify their finances at this point.

For more information, the IRS explains more details about RMDs online, available here. Please also keep in mind that different rules apply to inherited IRAs, Roth IRAs, and certain other situations, so do seek specific advice for your situation as necessary.

As for our role, our object for each client is to help have your money do what you need it to do.

So the question of how you should manage your accounts and your withdrawal strategy is best answered in a one-on-one discussion. If you would like our help talking through your situation, please call or email us. Happy to help.

This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax advisor.

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