RMD Calculator 2026
Plan your Gold IRA withdrawals and understand how RMDs affect your retirement income.
Your Information
You are currently 71 years old
Enter your total traditional IRA balance (as of Dec 31 prior year)
Your RMD Start Age: 73
Based on SECURE 2.0 Act rules for your birth year.
Your Results
Enter your information and click "Calculate RMD" to see your required minimum distribution.
Want to Avoid RMDs? Consider a Roth Gold IRA
Roth IRAs have no Required Minimum Distributions during your lifetime. If you don't need the income and want to leave a tax-free inheritance, a Roth Gold IRA might be a better choice. Learn about Roth Gold IRAs →
What You Need to Know About RMDs
Start Age Changed
SECURE 2.0 Act raised the RMD start age to 73 (for those born 1951-1959) and 75 (for those born 1960+).
Penalty Reduced
The penalty for missing an RMD dropped from 50% to 25% (or 10% if corrected quickly). Still significant!
Roth IRAs Exempt
Roth IRAs have no RMDs during your lifetime—only your heirs face distribution requirements.
Deadline Matters
RMDs must be taken by December 31 each year. Your first RMD can be delayed until April 1 of the following year.
How to Calculate Your RMD
The RMD Formula
RMD = Account Balance (Dec 31 prior year) ÷ Life Expectancy Factor
Step 1: Find your IRA balance as of December 31 of the previous year.
Step 2: Look up your age in the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table below.
Step 3: Divide your balance by the distribution period factor.
Example Calculation:
Age 75 with $500,000 balance: $500,000 ÷ 24.6 = $20,325 RMD
RMD Table 2026
IRS Uniform Lifetime Table
| Age | Distribution Period | % of Balance | RMD on $500K |
|---|---|---|---|
| 73 | 26.5 | 3.77% | $18,868 |
| 74 | 25.5 | 3.92% | $19,608 |
| 75 | 24.6 | 4.07% | $20,325 |
| 76 | 23.7 | 4.22% | $21,097 |
| 77 | 22.9 | 4.37% | $21,834 |
| 78 | 22 | 4.55% | $22,727 |
| 79 | 21.1 | 4.74% | $23,697 |
| 80 | 20.2 | 4.95% | $24,752 |
| 81 | 19.4 | 5.15% | $25,773 |
| 82 | 18.5 | 5.41% | $27,027 |
| 83 | 17.7 | 5.65% | $28,249 |
| 84 | 16.8 | 5.95% | $29,762 |
| 85 | 16 | 6.25% | $31,250 |
| 86 | 15.2 | 6.58% | $32,895 |
| 87 | 14.4 | 6.94% | $34,722 |
| 88 | 13.7 | 7.30% | $36,496 |
| 89 | 12.9 | 7.75% | $38,760 |
| 90 | 12.2 | 8.20% | $40,984 |
Source: IRS Uniform Lifetime Table (Publication 590-B). Table shown for ages 73-90. Full table continues to age 120+. Use our calculator above for exact calculations.
Gold IRA RMD Strategies
Physical gold in your IRA gives you unique options when taking distributions.
Option 1: Cash Distribution
Your custodian sells enough gold to meet your RMD amount and sends you cash. This is the simplest method and works like any traditional IRA distribution. Taxes owed on the full withdrawal amount.
Option 2: In-Kind Distribution
Receive physical gold instead of cash! The depository ships actual coins or bars directly to you. You still owe taxes on the fair market value, but you now own the gold outright—outside your IRA. Popular for those who want to hold their precious metals personally.
Pro Tip: Consider a Roth Conversion
If you don't need the RMD income, consider converting part of your Traditional Gold IRA to a Roth Gold IRA. You'll pay taxes now, but eliminate future RMDs and leave tax-free gold to your heirs.
RMD Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I don't take my RMD?▼
You'll owe a 25% penalty on the amount not withdrawn (reduced to 10% if corrected within 2 years). Plus you still have to take the distribution and pay regular income taxes.
Can I take more than the RMD?▼
Yes! The RMD is the minimum required. You can withdraw more, but you'll owe income taxes on the full amount. You cannot carry forward excess withdrawals to reduce future RMDs.
Do RMDs apply to inherited Gold IRAs?▼
Yes, but rules differ. Spouses can roll over to their own IRA. Non-spouse beneficiaries must generally empty the account within 10 years (SECURE Act). Consult a tax advisor.
Is my RMD based on spot price or what I paid?▼
RMDs are based on the fair market value (current spot price) of your gold as of December 31 of the prior year, not what you originally paid.
Can I reinvest my RMD in gold outside the IRA?▼
Yes! Take your cash distribution, pay the taxes, and use the remainder to buy physical gold for personal possession. Many retirees do this to keep growing their gold holdings.
Important Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates based on IRS Uniform Lifetime Tables. Your actual RMD may differ based on beneficiary age, multiple accounts, or other factors. This is not tax advice. Please consult a qualified tax professional for your specific situation.
RMDs Are Required. Losing Your Savings Isn't.
You have to take withdrawals - but you don't have to watch your balance shrink from market crashes. A Gold IRA can help preserve what's left.