When Does the RMD Age Go Up to 75 Years Old?

Required minimum distributions (RMDs) currently begin at different ages depending on when you were born. Under the SECURE 2.0 Act, people born from 1951 through 1959 generally have an RMD age of 73, while those born in 1960 or later have an RMD age of 75. That means the first people subject to the age-75 rule will reach 75 in 2035. Knowing your applicable age and first-distribution deadline can help you plan withdrawals, taxes and other retirement-income decisions before mandatory distributions begin.

Do you have questions about retirement planning or RMDs? Speak with a financial advisor today.

RMD Age by Birth Year

Your required minimum distribution age depends on your date of birth. The SECURE Act and SECURE 2.0 Act gradually increased the starting age from 70½ to 72, then 73 and eventually 75.

For example, someone born in 1958 generally reaches their RMD age at 73, while someone born in 1960 has an RMD age of 75. Because a person born in 1960 will not turn 75 until 2035, that is when the first group subject to the age-75 rule will actually reach its RMD age.

Keep in mind that your RMD age determines the year for which distributions generally begin, but it does not necessarily mean you must take the first withdrawal on your birthday. Separate rules determine the deadline for taking your first RMD.

When Does the RMD Age Increase to 75?

The RMD age increase to 75 will happen gradually over the next decade as part of the SECURE 2.0 Act passed in December 2022. This legislation made significant changes to retirement account rules, including a phased approach to raising the required minimum distribution age. For those wondering exactly when to start withdrawing from their retirement accounts, the timeline is now clearer than before.

The RMD age will remain at 73 until January 1, 2033, when it will increase to 75. This means anyone born between 1951 and 1959 will begin their required minimum distributions at age 73. Those born in 1960 or later will enjoy the full benefit of the age 75 threshold. This decade-long transition period gives retirement savers and financial professionals time to adjust their withdrawal strategies.

This gradual increase to age 75 offers significant planning opportunities for retirement savers. The extended timeframe allows investments to potentially grow tax-deferred for additional years, which could result in larger retirement accounts. However, it is worth noting that delaying RMDs might eventually lead to larger required withdrawals and potentially higher tax brackets in later years.

What Is the Current RMD Age?

As of 2025, the RMD age stands at 73 for individuals who turn 72 after December 31, 2024. This represents the first step in the gradual increase established by the new legislation. If you turned 72 in 2024 or earlier, you are already subject to RMD rules under the previous age threshold. Therefore, you must continue taking distributions according to the existing schedule.

Not all retirement accounts follow these new RMD rules. Notably, inherited IRAs maintain different distribution requirements. Certain qualified retirement plans may require distributions when you retire, regardless of age. Additionally, Roth IRAs continue to have no RMDs during the original owner’s lifetime, though inherited Roth accounts typically do.

Consulting with a financial advisor can help ensure your strategy aligns with both the current regulations and your long-term financial goals.

What Is Your RMD Age?

Your birth year directly determines when you must begin taking RMDs. If you were born in 1950 or earlier, you should already be taking RMDs. Those born between 1951 and 1959 must begin RMDs at age 73. For individuals born in 1960 or later, the required beginning age will be 75. Understanding which category you fall into is essential for proper retirement planning.

Failing to take your RMD by the deadline can result in significant penalties. Historically, the IRS imposed a steep 50% excise tax on the amount that should have been withdrawn but was not. The SECURE 2.0 Act reduced this penalty to 25%. It can be further reduced to 10% if corrected within two years. Nevertheless, these penalties can still represent a substantial financial setback in retirement.

Knowing your RMD age allows you to strategically plan your retirement income stream. Some retirees choose to take distributions before they are required if it makes sense for their tax situation. Others may benefit from qualified charitable distributions to satisfy RMD requirements while supporting causes they care about.

When Is Your First RMD Due?

Your first RMD is generally required for the year in which you reach your applicable RMD age, but you can typically delay taking that first distribution until April 1 of the following year. After that, annual RMDs are generally due by Dec. 31. ¹

For example, suppose someone born in 1957 reaches age 73 in 2030. Their first RMD is for 2030, but they could generally wait until April 1, 2031, to take it. Their RMD for 2031 would still be due by Dec. 31, 2031.

That means delaying the first RMD can result in two taxable distributions during the same calendar year. Depending on the amounts involved and the retiree’s other income, taking two RMDs in one year could increase taxable income and potentially affect other income-based costs.

Different timing rules can apply to certain employer-sponsored retirement plans. A 401(k) or similar plan may allow someone who continues working past their applicable RMD age to postpone distributions until after retirement, depending on the plan. This exception generally does not apply to someone who owns more than 5% of the employer, and traditional IRA owners cannot use the still-working exception to delay IRA RMDs.

How to Prepare for Retirement With Your RMD Age

It is important to understand your retirement age, as well as how to properly calculate your distributions accurately. Your annual RMD amount is determined by dividing your retirement account balance by the IRS life expectancy factor table. This calculation must be performed each year, as your account balance and life expectancy factor will change. Miscalculating can lead to severe penalties, costing you 50% of the amount you should have withdrawn.

You can estimate your projected required minimum distributions using SmartAsset’s RMD Calculator to help plan your retirement withdrawals.

Consider developing a withdrawal strategy that aligns with your overall financial goals. Some retirees benefit from taking distributions before their RMD age to manage tax brackets. Others might delay Social Security to offset RMD tax impacts.

Your retirement needs and financial situation will evolve. Make it a practice to review your RMD strategy annually, adjusting as necessary to accommodate changes in your spending needs, market performance, and tax laws. This regular assessment helps maintain alignment between your retirement withdrawals and long-term financial objectives.

Bottom Line

The RMD age is 73 for people born from 1951 through 1959 and increases to 75 for people born in 1960 or later. Although the statutory age-75 provision applies beginning in 2033, someone born in 1960 will not actually turn 75 until 2035. Your first RMD can generally be delayed until April 1 of the following year, while subsequent distributions are generally due by Dec. 31. RMD age is only one part of the planning decision. Your account type, employment status, taxes, charitable giving and other retirement income can all affect when and how you take distributions.

Tips for Retirement Planning

• Retirement is difficult to plan for without proper expertise and long-term goals. It’s important to find an expert financial advisor that is with you along the way so that you can create the right plan and manage your finances to hit your goals. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
• Not sure how much you need to save for retirement? Consider starting with a retirement calculator.

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