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Question

When is the deadline to take a required minimum distribution?

Answer

Most required minimum distributions (RMDs) must be taken by Dec. 31. If it’s your first year, you can defer to April 1 of the following year, but that stacks two distributions into one tax year. The penalty for a missed distribution is 25% of the shortfall, which may be reduced to 10% if you correct the oversight promptly.

Related FAQs

Can I still add to my IRA after Dec. 31?

Should I do a Roth conversion before year-end?

When does Medicare open enrollment start and end?
Retirement Tax Planning Charitable Giving Retirement Planning Living in Retirement Tax Basics Tax Tips & Tricks Protecting Your Legacy Year-Round Tax Planning FAQs
Last Updated Sept. 28, 2026
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