Born 1959 or Earlier
The RMD Time Bomb
Calculator
If you were born in 1959 or earlier, your Required Minimum Distributions begin at age 73. Enter your numbers below to see exactly what that forced income will cost you in taxes — at ages 73, 75, and 80. Results calculate instantly.
1
Your Pre-Tax Account Balances Today
Include all traditional (pre-tax) accounts: 401(k), 403(b), Traditional IRA, SEP-IRA, SIMPLE IRA. Do not include Roth accounts or taxable brokerage.
Traditional 401(k) / 403(b) balance
$
Traditional IRA(s) combined balance
$
SEP-IRA / SIMPLE IRA If applicable
$
Other pre-tax retirement accounts
$
Total Pre-Tax Balance (A)
—
2
Project Your Balance to Age 73
Your RMD is calculated on your balance at the start of the year you turn 73 — not today's balance. Your accounts keep growing until RMDs begin.
Your current age
Estimated annual growth rate 5% conservative · 6% moderate · 7% optimistic
%
| Years to 73 | At 5% | At 6% | At 7% | Your Rate |
|---|
Projected Pre-Tax Balance at Age 73 (B)
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3
Your Estimated Annual RMD
The IRS Uniform Lifetime Table determines your RMD each year. Your balance continues growing between ages 73–80, so RMDs increase over time — even in flat markets.
Age 73
—
IRS Factor: 26.5
Age 75
—
IRS Factor: 24.6
Age 80
—
IRS Factor: 20.2
4
Stack Your Total Retirement Income at Age 73
Your tax bracket is determined by total taxable income — not any single source. Your RMD from Step 3 is pre-filled below.
Annual RMD at age 73 Auto-calculated from Step 3
$
Social Security benefit (annual) Include both spouses if married. Up to 85% may be taxable.
$
Investment income from taxable brokerage Dividends, interest, capital gains
$
Pension or annuity income If applicable
$
Other taxable income
$
Income Breakdown at Age 73
Required Minimum Distribution—
Social Security (85% taxable)—
Investment income—
Pension / annuity—
Other income—
Total Taxable Income (C)
—
5
Your Tax Exposure Analysis
Based on your Total Income (C), here is where you land in the 2026 federal tax brackets — and the specific exposures that apply to your situation.
2026 Federal Tax Brackets — Married Filing Jointly
Enter your numbers above to see your exposure analysis
Your personalized results will appear here as you fill in Steps 1–4.
Next Step
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