Managing required minimum distributions (RMDs) from multiple retirement accounts starts with one important rule: you must calculate the required withdrawal for each account, but you cannot always combine those withdrawals. Traditional IRA requirements can generally be satisfied from one or more of your own IRAs, while most workplace retirement plans have separate distribution requirements. Understanding these differences can help you meet IRS deadlines without making unnecessary withdrawals.
This guide explains the U.S. federal rules for 2026, including how to handle traditional IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s, inherited accounts, and withdrawal-related taxes.
1. How Required Minimum Distributions Work
A required minimum distribution is the minimum amount the IRS generally requires you to withdraw annually from certain tax-advantaged retirement accounts after reaching the applicable age.
These requirements prevent most traditional retirement savings from remaining tax-deferred indefinitely.
For people reaching their RMD starting age in 2026, the applicable age is 73. Under the SECURE 2.0 Act, the applicable age increases to 75 for individuals born in 1960 or later. Earlier birth cohorts can have different starting ages.
The IRS required minimum distribution guidance explains the general requirements and deadlines.
Which Retirement Accounts Require RMDs?
- Traditional IRAs
- SEP IRAs
- SIMPLE IRAs
- Traditional 401(k) accounts
- 403(b) retirement plans
- Eligible 457(b) retirement plans
- Other qualifying employer-sponsored retirement plans
Roth IRAs and designated Roth accounts within employer retirement plans generally do not require RMDs during the original account owner's lifetime. Beneficiaries may face different rules after the owner's death.
An important exception also applies to certain workplace plans. Employees who continue working for the sponsoring employer may qualify to postpone RMDs from that employer's plan until retirement, if the plan permits. This exception generally does not apply to employees who own more than 5% of the sponsoring business.
The still-working exception does not postpone RMDs from traditional IRAs.
2. Can You Take All Your RMDs From One Account?
Sometimes, but it depends on the type of account.
The IRS allows certain retirement accounts to be grouped together for purposes of satisfying distribution requirements. This is known as RMD aggregation.
However, aggregation does not mean that every retirement account you own can be treated as one combined account.
| Account type | Combine RMDs? | Withdrawal rule |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional IRAs | Yes | Calculate each IRA separately; generally withdraw the combined amount from one or more of your own eligible IRAs. |
| SEP and SIMPLE IRAs | Generally yes | Generally included with the owner's other traditional IRA RMD calculations. |
| 401(k) plans | No | Satisfy each plan's RMD from that particular plan. |
| 403(b) contracts | Generally yes | Eligible 403(b) RMDs may be combined across the owner's 403(b) contracts, separately from IRAs. |
| 457(b) plans | No | Meet the applicable distribution requirement separately for each plan. |
| Inherited IRAs | Restricted | Separate beneficiary rules apply; qualifying aggregation is generally limited to inherited IRAs from the same deceased owner. |
| Roth IRA | Not applicable to original owner | No lifetime RMD for the original owner. |
These distinctions are explained in the IRS comparison of IRA and retirement plan RMD rules.
Example: Two Traditional IRAs
Suppose your first traditional IRA has an annual RMD of $6,000 and your second traditional IRA has an RMD of $4,000.
Your combined IRA RMD is $10,000.
You can generally withdraw the full $10,000 from the first IRA, split it between the two accounts, or withdraw the total from the second IRA.
However, if you also have a 401(k) requiring a $7,000 distribution, withdrawing $17,000 from your traditional IRAs would not satisfy that 401(k)'s separate RMD requirement.
You would still need to take the required $7,000 from the 401(k), assuming its RMD is currently due.
3. How to Calculate RMDs Across Multiple Accounts
The standard RMD calculation generally uses the retirement account's balance on December 31 of the previous calendar year and an IRS life expectancy factor.
Annual RMD = Prior December 31 account balance ÷ Applicable IRS distribution factor
For an individual age 73 in 2026 who uses the Uniform Lifetime Table, the distribution factor is 26.5.
This factor comes from the IRS Publication 590-B life expectancy tables.
A different factor generally applies if your spouse is your sole designated beneficiary and is more than 10 years younger than you. Inherited accounts, certain annuities, and other special situations may also require different calculations.
Illustrative 2026 Calculation: Four Retirement Accounts
Consider a retired individual who turns 73 during 2026 and owns four retirement accounts.
Assume all four accounts are subject to RMDs, the Uniform Lifetime Table factor of 26.5 applies, and there are no special balance adjustments.
| Account | Balance on Dec. 31, 2025 | 2026 RMD |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional IRA A | $265,000 | $10,000 |
| Traditional IRA B | $132,500 | $5,000 |
| 401(k) | $212,000 | $8,000 |
| 403(b) | $106,000 | $4,000 |
| Total | $715,500 | $27,000 |
For example, the first IRA requires $265,000 ÷ 26.5 = $10,000. The second requires $132,500 ÷ 26.5 = $5,000.
The combined IRA requirement is therefore $15,000.
One compliant withdrawal arrangement would be:
- Withdraw $15,000 from Traditional IRA A.
- Withdraw nothing from Traditional IRA B.
- Withdraw $8,000 from the 401(k).
- Withdraw $4,000 from the 403(b).
Total distributions: $27,000.
Alternatively, the individual could divide the $15,000 IRA requirement between the two IRAs.
The critical distinction is that the IRA withdrawals cannot replace the required withdrawals from the 401(k) or 403(b).
This is an illustrative calculation, not an actual investor's financial situation. It excludes income taxes, withholding, account fees, and changes in investment values after December 31, 2025.
4. Choosing Which Retirement Account to Withdraw From
Once you know which RMDs can legally be aggregated, the next decision is where to take the money from.
The best choice depends on your investment holdings, liquidity needs, withdrawal costs, taxes, and long-term retirement strategy.
Option A: Withdraw From the IRA With the Most Available Cash
Taking your combined IRA RMD from an account with sufficient cash may reduce the need to sell investments.
This can be helpful when other retirement accounts contain assets you prefer not to liquidate immediately.
However, keeping one IRA invested while reducing another can gradually change the balance of your retirement portfolio.
Option B: Withdraw From Accounts You Want to Rebalance
RMDs can be an opportunity to adjust an investment portfolio that has moved away from its intended allocation.
For example, an IRA holding a disproportionately large allocation to equities might provide some of the required withdrawal.
This can reduce that account's market exposure while satisfying the distribution requirement.
However, selling during a market decline may lock in losses. Evaluate your overall portfolio rather than automatically selling the same investment every year.
Option C: Spread IRA Withdrawals Across Multiple Accounts
Distributing RMDs across several IRAs can help preserve your preferred investment mix within each account.
It can also make sense when the accounts hold different investments or serve different purposes.
The disadvantage is additional administration, particularly when the IRAs are managed by different institutions.
Practical decision: If simplicity is your priority, consider satisfying your eligible combined IRA RMD from one account. If maintaining investment allocations is more important, coordinating withdrawals across multiple IRAs may be preferable.
5. RMD Deadlines: Why Timing Matters
Most annual RMDs must be completed by December 31 of the applicable calendar year.
There is an important exception for your first RMD. You can generally postpone that first distribution until April 1 of the following year.
Example: First RMD in 2026
If you turn 73 in 2026 and are required to begin IRA distributions, your first RMD is attributable to 2026.
You generally have two choices:
- Receive the 2026 RMD by December 31, 2026.
- Postpone the 2026 RMD until April 1, 2027.
However, postponing does not postpone the next year's requirement.
If you defer your first RMD until April 2027, you must also take your separate 2027 RMD by December 31, 2027.
This can result in two taxable RMDs during the same calendar year.
Why Taking Two RMDs in One Year May Cost More
Receiving two distributions in the same tax year may increase your federal taxable income.
Depending on your circumstances, the additional income could affect:
- Your marginal income tax bracket.
- The taxable portion of Social Security benefits.
- Income-related Medicare Part B and Part D premiums.
- Eligibility for certain income-sensitive tax benefits.
- Your state income tax liability.
These effects depend on your total income, filing status, applicable tax rules, and other personal factors.
Deferring a first RMD is therefore a tax-planning decision, not automatically a money-saving strategy.
Certain workplace plans also have retirement-related starting-date exceptions, while some separately accounted pre-1987 403(b) amounts have special timing rules. Confirm these details with the plan administrator and review IRS Publication 571 when applicable.
6. How to Coordinate RMD Withdrawals and Taxes
Taking the correct amount is only part of effective RMD management. You also need a plan for the resulting taxable income.
Estimate the Tax Impact Before Selecting Withdrawal Dates
Most traditional retirement account distributions are included in federal taxable income, except for amounts representing previously taxed contributions or another applicable exclusion.
Before arranging withdrawals, estimate your total annual income from Social Security, pensions, employment, interest, dividends, and retirement distributions.
This helps you decide whether spreading withdrawals throughout the year or taking them in larger installments better suits your tax and cash-flow situation.
Check Federal and State Tax Withholding
Retirement account custodians and plan administrators may offer federal income tax withholding options. State withholding rules vary.
Compare your expected tax liability with withholding already applied to other income.
Keep in mind that an RMD is measured by its gross distribution amount. Money withheld and remitted as income tax still forms part of the distribution.
For example, if you take a $10,000 gross IRA distribution and have $2,000 withheld for taxes, you generally receive $8,000 in cash but have taken a $10,000 distribution.
Withholding is a payment toward your taxes, not an additional fee.
Consider Qualified Charitable Distributions
A qualified charitable distribution (QCD) may be useful if you are at least age 70½ and already intend to support an eligible charity.
A qualifying QCD is generally transferred directly from an eligible IRA to the charitable organization.
It can count toward your IRA's RMD while potentially excluding the qualifying amount from taxable income.
QCDs are subject to annual limits and eligibility requirements. They generally cannot be made directly from a 401(k), and ongoing SEP and SIMPLE IRAs are excluded.
Review the IRS explanation of qualified charitable distributions before instructing a custodian to make a transfer.
If you want to use a QCD for an RMD, arrange the transfer before taking other distributions that would already satisfy the required amount.
7. Special Rules for Inherited Retirement Accounts
Inherited retirement accounts require separate attention because the beneficiary's distribution rules may differ from those applying to retirement accounts they own directly.
Many non-spouse beneficiaries are subject to a 10-year distribution framework, although annual withdrawal requirements can also apply depending on when the original owner died and other circumstances.
Other beneficiaries, including certain surviving spouses and eligible designated beneficiaries, may qualify for different treatment.
For aggregation purposes, the IRS generally permits certain inherited IRAs from the same deceased owner to be grouped together, provided the applicable beneficiary rules are satisfied.
Do not combine an inherited IRA's RMD with the requirement for your own traditional IRA simply because both accounts are held at the same brokerage.
Similarly, accounts inherited from different deceased owners generally should not be treated as one combined RMD pool.
See the IRS Form 5329 instructions for important distinctions between personally owned accounts, inherited IRAs, and retirement plans.
8. Common RMD Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Combining a 401(k) and IRA RMD
Withdrawing enough money from your IRA to cover your total retirement account requirement does not satisfy a separate 401(k) obligation.
Keep each workplace plan's required distribution visible in your records.
Mistake 2: Using the Current Account Balance
The standard annual RMD generally uses the previous December 31 account balance, not the balance displayed on the day you request the distribution.
Special adjustments can apply, so use the appropriate IRS calculation rules when there have been transfers, annuities, or unusual account transactions.
Mistake 3: Assuming the Custodian Handles Everything
Although financial institutions may calculate estimated RMDs and offer automated withdrawals, the account owner remains responsible for meeting applicable requirements.
An institution holding one IRA may not have a complete picture of accounts maintained elsewhere.
Mistake 4: Treating Extra Withdrawals as Future RMD Credits
Taking more than the required amount in one year does not reduce the following year's RMD requirement.
For example, withdrawing $20,000 when the annual RMD is $12,000 does not give you an $8,000 credit toward next year's RMD.
Mistake 5: Attempting to Roll Over an RMD
Required minimum distributions are not eligible for rollover into another tax-deferred retirement account.
An RMD also cannot be converted directly to a Roth IRA. Once the year's RMD obligation has been satisfied, additional eligible distributions may be considered for conversion under the applicable rules.
9. What Happens if You Miss an RMD?
If you fail to withdraw your full required minimum distribution, the shortfall may be subject to a federal excise tax.
The general excise tax rate is 25% of the amount not withdrawn.
The rate may be reduced to 10% when the shortfall is corrected within the applicable statutory correction period.
Illustrative Shortfall Calculation
Suppose your required annual distribution is $12,000, but you withdraw only $8,000 before the applicable deadline.
Your RMD shortfall is $4,000.
- Potential excise tax at 25%: $1,000.
- Potential reduced excise tax at 10%: $400.
These are illustrative amounts and do not include income taxes or any other applicable consequences.
The IRS may waive the excise tax when the shortfall resulted from reasonable error and appropriate corrective action is being taken.
If you discover an error, contact the relevant custodian or plan administrator, correct the shortfall as appropriate, and review the filing and waiver procedures for IRS Form 5329.
Additional information is available in the IRS RMD frequently asked questions.
10. A Practical RMD Management Checklist
The following annual process can make coordinating multiple retirement accounts easier.
- List every retirement account. Include traditional IRAs, SEP and SIMPLE IRAs, employer plans, and inherited accounts.
- Classify each account. Identify whether it belongs in an eligible IRA aggregation group, a separate 403(b) group, or an individually satisfied workplace plan.
- Confirm which RMDs are currently due. Check your applicable starting age, employment status, plan provisions, and any beneficiary rules.
- Collect prior December 31 balances. Use account statements and request special calculation information where necessary.
- Calculate each requirement. Confirm the appropriate IRS distribution factor for each account.
- Choose the funding accounts. Consider available cash, portfolio allocation, expenses, and tax implications.
- Schedule withdrawals before deadlines. Allow time for securities sales, settlement, withholding arrangements, and processing.
- Track completed gross distributions. Compare actual distributions against the outstanding RMD obligation for each permitted group or separate plan.
- Reconcile at year-end. Confirm the requirements were met and retain distribution records and Forms 1099-R for tax preparation.
For people managing several accounts, a simple spreadsheet with columns for account name, account type, previous year-end balance, RMD due, amount distributed, amount remaining, and deadline can substantially reduce administrative confusion.
11. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Take My Entire RMD From One Brokerage Account?
Generally, yes, if the relevant accounts are your own eligible traditional IRAs and the total withdrawal meets their combined RMD requirement.
However, a brokerage account holding an IRA cannot automatically satisfy separate 401(k), 457(b), or unrelated 403(b) obligations.
Can I Take RMDs Monthly Instead of Annually?
Yes. You can generally take an annual RMD in multiple installments as long as the required total is distributed by the applicable deadline.
Monthly withdrawals may help with retirement budgeting, while an annual withdrawal may be administratively simpler.
Should I Consolidate Retirement Accounts to Simplify RMDs?
Consolidation may reduce paperwork and make balances easier to monitor. However, it is not necessary solely to aggregate eligible IRA RMDs.
Before moving retirement assets, compare investment choices, fees, creditor protections, tax considerations, beneficiary provisions, and special plan benefits.
If an RMD is already due, make sure the required amount is distributed before attempting to roll over otherwise eligible retirement funds.
12. Final Takeaway: Coordinate RMDs by Account Type
Managing required minimum distributions from multiple accounts becomes more straightforward when you separate calculation requirements from withdrawal flexibility.
Traditional IRA RMDs can generally be combined within the eligible IRA group, and qualifying 403(b) requirements have their own aggregation rules. Most other workplace retirement plans must satisfy their RMD obligations separately.
Calculate the correct amount for each account, group only those distributions the IRS permits you to combine, and review the income tax consequences before selecting withdrawal dates.
Your next step: Gather your previous December 31 statements and create an RMD worksheet that shows exactly which account must provide each required withdrawal before the applicable deadline.
Educational note: This article explains general U.S. federal retirement tax rules and is not individualized tax, investment, or legal advice. Retirement plan provisions, inherited-account arrangements, and individual tax circumstances may require professional review.
