Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) Rules for 2026

Starting ages, deadlines, penalties, aggregation, and the still-working exception.

When Do RMDs Start?

• Born 1951–1959: Age 73
• Born 1960 or later: Age 75

Deadlines

• First RMD: April 1 of the year after you reach RMD age
• Later years: December 31

Delaying the first creates two RMDs in one calendar year.

Penalties

25% of the shortfall (reduced to 10% if corrected timely).

Still-Working Exception

If you are still working for the employer that sponsors your 401(k) or 403(b) plan, and you are not a 5% owner of that business, you may be able to delay RMDs from that current employer’s plan until the year you retire (if the plan document allows it).

This exception is found in the Internal Revenue Code under IRC § 401(a)(9) and the related Treasury regulations. It does not apply to:

• Traditional, SEP, or SIMPLE IRAs
• Plans from former employers
• Roth IRAs (which have no lifetime RMDs for the owner anyway)

Always check your plan document and confirm with the plan administrator whether the still-working exception is available to you.