RMDs begin at age 73 for tax-deferred accounts like traditional IRAs and 401(k)s. Calculate your RMD by dividing your account balance by the IRS life expectancy table factor. Ensure your total RMD ...

In addition, if you have a spouse who is 10 years younger than you, and is listed as a 100% beneficiary of your RMD, you need to calculate your RMD using a Joint Life Expectancy Table.

RMD Tables. To calculate your RMD, ... RMDs for an inherited IRA is based on your age and life expectancy factor in the IRS ...

The IRS has a table with LEFs for every age, beginning at 72. Once you know this number, you can find your RMD by dividing your account value at the end of the previous year by your LEF.

The IRS uses a specific formula to calculate the RMD, dividing the retirement account balance as of December 31 of the previous year by a life expectancy factor published in IRS tables.

For example, if your account balance is $100,000 and your life expectancy factor is 26.5, the calculation would be RMD = $100 ...

The last thing you want to do is calculate the RMD incorrectly, use the wrong life expectancy factor, or take a lower RMD than expected. All can lead to unnecessary calls from the IRS. Show comments ...