For many retirees turning 73 or older in 2026, the question arises: when should one execute their required minimum distribution (RMD) from their retirement accounts? Some individuals prefer to address this early, potentially opting to take their RMD in January. While this approach might appeal to those keen on completing financial obligations ahead of time, a more nuanced strategy considering various factors may be more advantageous.
Fundamentally, understanding RMDs and their regulatory framework is essential. A required minimum distribution represents a mandated annual withdrawal, taxable by the IRS, from most traditional retirement accounts. It’s important to note that Roth IRAs are exempt from RMD rules due to their tax-advantaged withdrawal status.
The obligation to take RMDs commences in the calendar year one reaches 73. For most years thereafter, the deadline for completing each annual RMD is December 31. Nevertheless, during the initial year of eligibility—when turning 73—there exists an extended window allowing the first RMD to be taken any time up to April 1 of the following year. However, opting to delay until that April 1 date often results in the burden of two taxable distributions within the same tax year, a timing consideration many aim to avoid.
Determining the precise RMD amount depends on two primary factors: the individual’s age and the value of their retirement accounts as of the prior year’s December 31. Generally, as age increases, so does the minimum withdrawal percentage. To illustrate, a person aged 73 must withdraw just under 3.8% of their account balance from the end of the previous year, while someone aged 85 faces a required withdrawal approaching 6.25%. Those at 100 years must distribute upwards of 15.6% of the prior year-end balance. Custodians or brokerage firms maintain accurate records of the preceding year’s account values and typically provide this information to clients annually. Despite this support, retirees are responsible for calculating their RMD amounts, utilizing IRS worksheets specific to their situation.
While the IRS sets minimum withdrawal thresholds, there is no upper limit on the amount an individual may withdraw. However, larger distributions correspond with higher taxable income and increased tax liabilities.
The mechanics of taking RMDs offer some flexibility. For holders of multiple traditional IRAs, the total value of these accounts as of year-end can be aggregated, and the RMD satisfied by withdrawing the cumulative amount from a single IRA. A comparable consolidation is allowed for multiple 403(b) plans. However, combining traditional IRAs and 403(b)s for RMD purposes is not permitted.
In contrast, regulations differ for 401(k) accounts. Each 401(k) plan requires an individual RMD calculation and distribution withdrawal. This rule holds unless one remains actively employed and contributing to a current employer’s 401(k), which exempts that particular 401(k) from RMD obligations. Retirees must also recognize that IRA accounts funded through rollovers from 401(k) plans are treated as traditional IRAs concerning RMD rules, and cannot be excluded from withdrawal requirements.
One prevalent query concerns the prudence of fulfilling the RMD as early as January of the distribution year. Strategic factors influence this decision, including investment considerations and personal income needs.
If immediate liquidity is unnecessary, retirees have the option to transfer assets within retirement accounts "in-kind" to taxable brokerage accounts, thereby fulfilling the RMD requirement without converting assets to cash. Timing this transfer ensures an exact taxable amount based on account values at the completion of the transaction.
More commonly, RMD distributions are sourced from the liquidation of investments such as stocks, bonds, or mutual funds, which provide needed retirement income. This introduces the importance of optimizing the timing of asset sales. Selling investments when their prices are relatively high permits individuals to retain a greater portion of assets within tax-advantaged retirement accounts, thereby benefiting from continued tax-free growth opportunities. Since the IRS mandates RMD amounts based solely on year-end account valuations from the previous year, the timing of the sale within the distribution year is at the account holder's discretion, so long as the total distribution is made by the end of that year.
For 2026, for example, the S&P 500 has reached record highs after a substantial advance, which might present a rational time to execute RMD sales. While market timing generally carries inherent risk and unpredictability, withdrawing when valuations are elevated functions as a risk-management tactic rather than speculative market timing. This approach helps protect against a potential downturn after RMD sales have been completed.
An alternative approach is to stagger RMD withdrawals throughout the year, smoothing out market exposure and potentially averaging purchase prices over time. This method mitigates the risks associated with market volatility but could result in payment amounts that vary relative to market fluctuations.
The predominant risk tied to delaying RMD withdrawals centers on deferring sales in anticipation of higher market peaks. Postponement reduces the available window to complete distributions, potentially forcing sales at less favorable prices as the year-end deadline approaches. Consequently, procrastination could lead to increased tax liabilities if asset values decline or if forced sales are more substantial due to accumulated minimum withdrawal requirements.
Importantly, retirees facing the decision to take RMDs in January are not pressed for immediate action, as there remain several hundred days within the year to assess market conditions, personal financial requirements, and tax planning considerations prior to distributing funds.