Skip to main content

RMD at age 73

At 73 the IRS divisor is 26.5, so your required minimum distribution is 3.77% of the account balance on December 31 of last year: $3,774 for every $100,000.

RMD at 73 by account balance

RMD at age 73: balance ÷ 26.5
December 31 balanceRMD at 73Per month
$100,000$3,773.58$314
RMD on $200,000$7,547.17$629
$250,000$9,433.96$786
$300,000$11,320.75$943
$400,000$15,094.34$1,258
RMD on $500,000$18,867.92$1,572
RMD on $750,000$28,301.89$2,358
RMD on $1 million$37,735.85$3,145
RMD on $1.5 million$56,603.77$4,717
RMD on $2 million$75,471.70$6,289
RMD on $3 million$113,207.55$9,434
RMD on $5 million$188,679.25$15,723

The divisor around age 73

The divisor drops by about one each year, so the share you must take rises. At 78 it is 4.55%; at 83, 5.65%.

IRS Uniform Lifetime Table, ages around 73
AgeDivisorShare of balanceOn $500,000
7326.53.77%$18,868
7425.53.92%$19,608
7524.64.07%$20,325
7623.74.22%$21,097
7722.94.37%$21,834
7822.04.55%$22,727
7921.14.74%$23,697
8020.24.95%$24,752
8119.45.15%$25,773
8218.55.41%$27,027
8317.75.65%$28,249

The next ten years from 73

$500,000 at 73 in 2026, growing 5% a year after each RMD:

RMDs from $500,000 starting at 73, 5% a year
YearAgeDivisorRMDBalance at end
20267326.5$18,868$505,189
20277425.5$19,811$509,646
20287524.6$20,717$513,375
20297623.7$21,661$516,300
20307722.9$22,546$518,441
20317822.0$23,566$519,620
20327921.1$24,627$519,743
20338020.2$25,730$518,714
20348119.4$26,738$516,575
20358218.5$27,923$513,084

Who takes an RMD at 73

Turning 73 in 2026 means you were born in 1953. Your RMDs start at 73 under SECURE 2.0, so this is your first one. It can wait until April 1, 2027, but then the 2027 RMD is due in the same year. Anyone born in 1960 or later starts at 75 instead, so a first RMD at 75 is due from 2035. Traditional, SEP and SIMPLE IRAs, 401(k), 403(b) and 457(b) plans all count. Roth IRAs, and since 2024 Roth 401(k)s, need none while you are alive. Missing one costs a 25% excise tax on the shortfall, cut to 10% if you correct it in time.

Tax on an RMD at 73

On $500,000 the RMD at 73 is $18,868. The federal tax it adds on 2026 rules, estimates:

  • Single, $24,000 of Social Security: about $0, 0% of the RMD.
  • Married, $42,000 of Social Security: about $0, 0% of the RMD.

The calculator, set to age 73

Your 2026 RMD$18,867.92$500,000 ÷ 26.5 (age 73)
DeadlineApril 1, 2027First RMD. Waiting until then means two RMDs in 2027.
Share of the balance3.77%1 ÷ 26.5
Your RMD starting age73Born in 1953

Born in 1953, you are 73 in 2026, so the IRS divisor is 26.5. Your 2026 required minimum distribution from a $500,000 balance is $18,867.92, due by April 1, 2027.

An RMD is income, so it can move your Medicare premium two years later. Add this RMD in the IRMAA calculator.

Taxable RMD$18,868The whole RMD counts as income
Federal tax it adds$3,779Including Social Security it makes taxable
State tax it adds$0Pick a state to include it
Tax as a share of the RMD20.0%$3,779 in total

With $24,000 of Social Security and $20,000 of other income, filing single, your $18,868 taxable RMD adds about $3,779 of federal tax, 20.0% of it. That is the difference between your tax with and without the RMD, on 2026 brackets.

Figures checked on against IRS Publication 590-B (2025), Distributions from IRAs, IRS, Retirement plan and IRA required minimum distributions FAQs and T.D. 10001, final required minimum distribution regulations (July 19, 2024).

Frequently asked questions

What is the RMD divisor at age 73?
26.5, from the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table that most IRA owners use. Divide the balance on December 31 of the previous year by it.
What percentage is the RMD at 73?
3.77% of the balance: 1 divided by 26.5. On $1,000,000 that is $37,735.85.
What is the RMD on $500,000 at 73?
$18,867.92, which is $500,000 divided by 26.5.
Do I have to take an RMD at 73 in 2026?
Yes if you turn 73 in 2026: you were born in 1953, so your RMDs started at 73 and this is your first one, which can wait until April 1, 2027. Roth IRAs need none while you are alive, and a current employer’s plan can wait if you still work there and own 5% or less.