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RMD at age 85

At 85 the IRS divisor is 16.0, so your required minimum distribution is 6.25% of the account balance on December 31 of last year: $6,250 for every $100,000.

RMD at 85 by account balance

The divisor around age 85

The divisor drops by about one each year, so the share you must take rises. At 90 it is 8.20%; at 95, 11.24%.

IRS Uniform Lifetime Table, ages around 85
AgeDivisorShare of balanceOn $500,000
8020.24.95%$24,752
8119.45.15%$25,773
8218.55.41%$27,027
8317.75.65%$28,249
8416.85.95%$29,762
8516.06.25%$31,250
8615.26.58%$32,895
8714.46.94%$34,722
8813.77.30%$36,496
8912.97.75%$38,760
9012.28.20%$40,984
9111.58.70%$43,478
9210.89.26%$46,296
9310.19.90%$49,505
949.510.53%$52,632
958.911.24%$56,180

The next ten years from 85

$500,000 at 85 in 2026, growing 5% a year after each RMD:

RMDs from $500,000 starting at 85, 5% a year
YearAgeDivisorRMDBalance at end
20268516.0$31,250$492,188
20278615.2$32,381$482,797
20288714.4$33,528$471,733
20298813.7$34,433$459,165
20308912.9$35,594$444,749
20319012.2$36,455$428,709
20329111.5$37,279$411,002
20339210.8$38,056$391,593
20349310.1$38,772$370,463
2035949.5$38,996$348,040

Who takes an RMD at 85

Turning 85 in 2026 means you were born in 1941. Your RMDs started at 70½ under the rules before the SECURE Act. 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 85

On $500,000 the RMD at 85 is $31,250. The federal tax it adds on 2026 rules, estimates:

  • Single, $24,000 of Social Security: about $2,088, 7% of the RMD.
  • Married, $42,000 of Social Security: about $0, 0% of the RMD.

The calculator, set to age 85

Your 2026 RMD$31,250.00$500,000 ÷ 16.0 (age 85)
DeadlineDecember 31, 2026Every year after the first
Share of the balance6.25%1 ÷ 16.0
Your RMD starting age70½Born in 1941

Born in 1941, you are 85 in 2026, so the IRS divisor is 16.0. Your 2026 required minimum distribution from a $500,000 balance is $31,250.00, due by December 31, 2026.

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

Taxable RMD$31,250The whole RMD counts as income
Federal tax it adds$5,452Including Social Security it makes taxable
State tax it adds$0Pick a state to include it
Tax as a share of the RMD17.4%$5,452 in total

With $24,000 of Social Security and $20,000 of other income, filing single, your $31,250 taxable RMD adds about $5,452 of federal tax, 17.4% 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 85?
16.0, 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 85?
6.25% of the balance: 1 divided by 16.0. On $1,000,000 that is $62,500.00.
What is the RMD on $500,000 at 85?
$31,250.00, which is $500,000 divided by 16.0.
Do I have to take an RMD at 85 in 2026?
Yes if you turn 85 in 2026: you were born in 1941, so your RMDs started at 70½, and the 2026 amount is due by December 31, 2026. 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.