At age 75, the RMD factor is 24.6, so your required withdrawal is your prior year-end retirement account balance divided by 24.6. For example, a $500,000 account would have an RMD of about $20,325.

How it works

The IRS uses a life expectancy factor that changes with age, so the RMD is not a fixed dollar amount. You calculate it each year using the account value from December 31 of the previous year and the factor for your age.

Example

  • $100,000 account: about $4,065 at age 75.
  • $500,000 account: about $20,325 at age 75.
  • $1,000,000 account: about $40,650 at age 75.

Important note

For most people, the Uniform Lifetime Table applies, but if your spouse is your sole beneficiary and more than 10 years younger, a different table may apply.

TL;DR: at age 75, divide your prior year-end balance by 24.6 to get your RMD.