required minimum distributions (RMDs)

Starting at age 73, Uncle Sam requires taxpayers to draw down their retirement account savings through RMDs — annual required minimum distributions. And not only do you need to calculate how much must be withdrawn each year, but you must also pay the tax on the distributions. If you'd like to know more about the basic rules, start with our beginner's guide: everything you should know about RMDs then work your way through our other features and guides on smart strategies to minimize taxable distributions and make the most of the money that you must withdraw.