Living in retirement

Taking your required minimum distribution (RMD)


Make it automatic

Vanguard offers a free RMD service. Tell us when to process the withdrawal and where to take the money from and we'll handle your RMD each year automatically!

You can also check the status of your RMD.

Sign up for RMD services or check the status of your RMD


Confused about RMDs? We can help!

Traditional IRAs and employer plans like a 401(k) allow you to put off paying federal taxes, often for decades. Generally, your required minimum distribution (RMD) for a given year must be withdrawn by December 31 of that year, either in a lump sum or in installments. However, if you're taking an RMD for the first time, you may delay withdrawing the RMD until April 1 of the year after the year you turn age 73* (or, in some cases, until after the year you retire).

*Due to changes to federal law that took effect on January 1, 2023, the age at which you must begin taking RMDs differs depending on when you were born. If you reached age 72 on or before December 31, 2022, you were already required to take your RMD and must continue satisfying that requirement.  However, if you had not yet reached age 72 by December 31, 2022, you must take your first RMD from your traditional IRA by April 1 of the year after you reached age 73.

If you feel unsure about how to navigate RMDs, answer some basic questions and we'll walk you through what to do.

Talk to an investment professional

800-742-9998

Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Eastern time

RMD look a little different? Here’s why.

If this isn't your first year taking a required minimum distribution (RMD), you may have noticed it's a bit smaller than last year. That's because the IRS released new life expectancy tables for 2022, which impacted your RMD calculation. A lower RMD means you may have a larger account balance for future years and your 2022 taxable income will most likely be reduced.

See the new life expectancy tables

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