IRAs including traditional, SEP, and SIMPLE |
April 1 of the following year after reaching RMD age |
401(k), 403(b), 457(b) plans, or other qualified plan |
April 1 of the following year after reaching RMD age. However, if you are still employed at your RMD age, you may be able to delay your first RMD until April 1 of the year after you retire. A few other caveats apply: The exemption applies only to the account for your most recent employer, the plan must allow this exemption, and you cannot own more than 5% of a business. |
Roth 401(k), 403(b), or 457(b) (designated Roth account) |
April 1 of the following year after reaching RMD age. However, if you are still employed at your RMD age, you may be able to delay your first RMD until April of the year after you retire. This exemption only applies to the account for your most recent employer, that plan must allow this exemption, and you cannot own more than 5% of a business. Note: Beginning in 2024, RMDs will no longer be required from these accounts. |
Inherited retirement accounts |
If the deceased has not taken their RMD, you must generally take a distribution for them by December 31 of the year of death. Beneficiaries can get an extension to the tax filing deadline and potential penalty waiver. The heir of the account may also be subject to their own RMDs. The RMD rules for inherited accounts are very complex. |