Inherited IRA RMD Calculator
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.calculator-form input[type="number"],
.calculator-form select {
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var lifeExpectancyTable = {
1: 82.1, 2: 81.1, 3: 80.1, 4: 79.1, 5: 78.1, 6: 77.1, 7: 76.1, 8: 75.1, 9: 74.1, 10: 73.1,
11: 72.1, 12: 71.1, 13: 70.1, 14: 69.1, 15: 68.1, 16: 67.1, 17: 66.1, 18: 65.1, 19: 64.1, 20: 63.2,
21: 62.2, 22: 61.2, 23: 60.2, 24: 59.2, 25: 58.2, 26: 57.2, 27: 56.2, 28: 55.2, 29: 54.3, 30: 53.3,
31: 52.3, 32: 51.3, 33: 50.4, 34: 49.4, 35: 48.4, 36: 47.5, 37: 46.5, 38: 45.6, 39: 44.6, 40: 43.7,
41: 42.7, 42: 41.8, 43: 40.8, 44: 39.9, 45: 38.9, 46: 38.0, 47: 37.1, 48: 36.1, 49: 35.2, 50: 34.3,
51: 33.4, 52: 32.5, 53: 31.6, 54: 30.7, 55: 29.8, 56: 28.9, 57: 28.0, 58: 27.1, 59: 26.3, 60: 25.4,
61: 24.5, 62: 23.7, 63: 22.8, 64: 22.0, 65: 21.2, 66: 20.3, 67: 19.5, 68: 18.7, 69: 17.9, 70: 17.1,
71: 16.3, 72: 15.5, 73: 14.8, 74: 14.0, 75: 13.2, 76: 12.5, 77: 11.8, 78: 11.1, 79: 10.4, 80: 9.8,
81: 9.1, 82: 8.5, 83: 7.9, 84: 7.3, 85: 6.7, 86: 6.2, 87: 5.7, 88: 5.2, 89: 4.7, 90: 4.3,
91: 3.9, 92: 3.5, 93: 3.2, 94: 2.9, 95: 2.6, 96: 2.3, 97: 2.1, 98: 1.9, 99: 1.7, 100: 1.5,
101: 1.4, 102: 1.3, 103: 1.2, 104: 1.1, 105: 1.0, 106: 0.9, 107: 0.8, 108: 0.7, 109: 0.6, 110: 0.5,
111: 0.5, 112: 0.4, 113: 0.4, 114: 0.3, 115: 0.3
};
function getLifeExpectancyFactor(age) {
if (age 115) {
return null; // Age out of table range
}
return lifeExpectancyTable[age];
}
function toggleRBDQuestion() {
var beneficiaryType = document.getElementById("beneficiaryType").value;
var ownerDeathYear = parseInt(document.getElementById("ownerDeathYear").value);
var rbdQuestionGroup = document.getElementById("rbdQuestionGroup");
if (beneficiaryType === "non-eligible" && ownerDeathYear >= 2020) {
rbdQuestionGroup.style.display = "block";
} else {
rbdQuestionGroup.style.display = "none";
}
}
function calculateRMD() {
var beneficiaryAge = parseInt(document.getElementById("beneficiaryAge").value);
var iraBalance = parseFloat(document.getElementById("iraBalance").value);
var ownerDeathYear = parseInt(document.getElementById("ownerDeathYear").value);
var calculationYear = parseInt(document.getElementById("calculationYear").value);
var beneficiaryType = document.getElementById("beneficiaryType").value;
var rbdQuestionGroup = document.getElementById("rbdQuestionGroup");
var ownerDiedAfterRBD = null;
if (rbdQuestionGroup.style.display === "block") {
ownerDiedAfterRBD = document.querySelector('input[name="ownerDiedAfterRBD"]:checked');
if (ownerDiedAfterRBD) {
ownerDiedAfterRBD = ownerDiedAfterRBD.value;
}
}
var resultDiv = document.getElementById("result");
var rmdAmount = 0;
var explanation = "";
// Input validation
if (isNaN(beneficiaryAge) || beneficiaryAge 115) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Please enter a valid beneficiary age between 1 and 115.";
return;
}
if (isNaN(iraBalance) || iraBalance < 0) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Please enter a valid Inherited IRA Balance (non-negative).";
return;
}
if (isNaN(ownerDeathYear) || ownerDeathYear 2099) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Please enter a valid Year of Original IRA Owner's Death.";
return;
}
if (isNaN(calculationYear) || calculationYear = 2020;
var beneficiaryIsEDB = (beneficiaryType === "eligible");
if (iraBalance === 0) {
rmdAmount = 0;
explanation = "Your Inherited IRA balance is zero, so no RMD is required.";
} else if (!isPostSecureAct) { // Owner died BEFORE 2020 (Pre-SECURE Act rules)
var factor = getLifeExpectancyFactor(beneficiaryAge);
if (factor === null) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Could not find life expectancy factor for the given beneficiary age.";
return;
}
rmdAmount = iraBalance / factor;
explanation = "Since the original owner died before 2020, you can stretch RMDs over your life expectancy using the IRS Single Life Expectancy Table. Your life expectancy factor is " + factor + ".";
} else { // Owner died 2020 or later (Post-SECURE Act rules)
if (beneficiaryIsEDB) {
var factor = getLifeExpectancyFactor(beneficiaryAge);
if (factor === null) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Could not find life expectancy factor for the given beneficiary age.";
return;
}
rmdAmount = iraBalance / factor;
explanation = "As an Eligible Designated Beneficiary (EDB), you can stretch RMDs over your life expectancy using the IRS Single Life Expectancy Table. Your life expectancy factor is " + factor + ".";
} else { // Non-Eligible Designated Beneficiary (NEDB)
var tenYearRuleEndYear = ownerDeathYear + 10;
if (ownerDiedAfterRBD === 'yes') {
// Owner died AFTER RBD: Annual RMDs for years 1-9, then full distribution by year 10.
if (calculationYear < tenYearRuleEndYear) {
var factor = getLifeExpectancyFactor(beneficiaryAge);
if (factor === null) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Could not find life expectancy factor for the given beneficiary age.";
return;
}
rmdAmount = iraBalance / factor;
explanation = "Since the original owner died after their Required Beginning Date (RBD) and you are a Non-Eligible Designated Beneficiary, you must take annual RMDs based on your life expectancy for years 1-9 following the owner's death. Your life expectancy factor is " + factor + ". The entire account must be distributed by the end of " + tenYearRuleEndYear + ".";
} else if (calculationYear === tenYearRuleEndYear) {
rmdAmount = iraBalance; // Full distribution in the 10th year
explanation = "Since the original owner died after their Required Beginning Date (RBD) and you are a Non-Eligible Designated Beneficiary, the entire Inherited IRA balance must be distributed by the end of the 10th year (" + tenYearRuleEndYear + ") following the owner's death.";
} else {
rmdAmount = 0; // Account should already be empty
explanation = "The 10-year distribution period ended in " + tenYearRuleEndYear + ". The account should have been fully distributed by then.";
}
} else { // ownerDiedAfterRBD === 'no' (or not applicable/hidden)
// Owner died BEFORE RBD: No RMDs until year 10, then full distribution.
if (calculationYear < tenYearRuleEndYear) {
rmdAmount = 0;
explanation = "Since the original owner died before their Required Beginning Date (RBD) and you are a Non-Eligible Designated Beneficiary, no annual RMDs are required for the first 9 years. The entire account must be distributed by the end of the 10th year (" + tenYearRuleEndYear + ") following the owner's death.";
} else if (calculationYear === tenYearRuleEndYear) {
rmdAmount = iraBalance; // Full distribution in the 10th year
explanation = "Since the original owner died before their Required Beginning Date (RBD) and you are a Non-Eligible Designated Beneficiary, the entire Inherited IRA balance must be distributed by the end of the 10th year (" + tenYearRuleEndYear + ") following the owner's death.";
} else {
rmdAmount = 0; // Account should already be empty
explanation = "The 10-year distribution period ended in " + tenYearRuleEndYear + ". The account should have been fully distributed by then.";
}
}
}
}
resultDiv.innerHTML =
"Your Estimated Inherited IRA RMD for
" + calculationYear + " is:
$" + rmdAmount.toFixed(2) + "" +
"
" + explanation + "";
}
// Initial call to set visibility based on default values
document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', toggleRBDQuestion);
Understanding Inherited IRA Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
An Inherited IRA, also known as a Beneficiary IRA or Death IRA, is an Individual Retirement Account that has been passed down to a beneficiary after the original owner's death. While it offers a way to continue tax-deferred growth, it comes with specific rules regarding Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) that beneficiaries must follow.
What are RMDs for Inherited IRAs?
RMDs are the minimum amounts you must withdraw from your Inherited IRA each year. These distributions are taxable as ordinary income in the year they are received. The rules for calculating RMDs for inherited IRAs can be complex and depend heavily on several factors, including:
- The date of the original IRA owner's death (before or after January 1, 2020).
- The relationship of the beneficiary to the original owner (e.g., spouse, minor child, disabled individual, or other non-spouse).
- Whether the original owner died before or after their own Required Beginning Date (RBD) for RMDs.
The SECURE Act and Its Impact (Owner Died On or After January 1, 2020)
The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act, which became effective January 1, 2020, significantly changed the rules for inherited IRAs. For IRA owners who died on or after this date, beneficiaries are generally categorized into two groups:
1. Eligible Designated Beneficiaries (EDBs)
EDBs are beneficiaries who can still "stretch" RMDs over their own life expectancy. This allows for a slower distribution of the inherited funds, maximizing tax-deferred growth. EDBs include:
- The surviving spouse of the IRA owner.
- A minor child of the IRA owner (until they reach the age of majority, typically 21, after which the 10-year rule applies).
- A chronically ill individual.
- A disabled individual.
- Any individual who is not more than 10 years younger than the IRA owner.
If you are an EDB, your annual RMD is calculated by dividing the prior year-end IRA balance by your life expectancy factor from the IRS Single Life Expectancy Table (Table I in IRS Publication 590-B).
2. Non-Eligible Designated Beneficiaries (NEDBs) – The 10-Year Rule
Most other beneficiaries, including adult children, siblings, nieces, nephews, and other non-spouse beneficiaries, are considered Non-Eligible Designated Beneficiaries (NEDBs). For these beneficiaries, the SECURE Act introduced the "10-year rule."
- If the original IRA owner died BEFORE their Required Beginning Date (RBD): The NEDB is generally not required to take annual RMDs for the first nine years following the owner's death. However, the *entire inherited IRA account must be fully distributed by December 31st of the 10th year* following the year of the owner's death.
- If the original IRA owner died AFTER their Required Beginning Date (RBD): The NEDB *is* required to take annual RMDs for years 1 through 9 following the owner's death, based on their own life expectancy. Similar to the previous scenario, the *entire remaining account balance must be fully distributed by December 31st of the 10th year* following the year of the owner's death.
The Required Beginning Date (RBD) is generally April 1 of the year following the year in which the IRA owner reaches age 73 (or 70½ for those born before July 1, 1949).
Pre-SECURE Act Rules (Owner Died Before January 1, 2020)
If the original IRA owner died before January 1, 2020, the old rules apply. Under these rules, most designated beneficiaries (including non-spouse beneficiaries) could "stretch" RMDs over their own life expectancy, regardless of whether they were an EDB or NEDB under the new rules. The RMD is calculated by dividing the prior year-end IRA balance by the beneficiary's life expectancy factor from the IRS Single Life Expectancy Table.
How to Use the Calculator
To calculate your estimated Inherited IRA RMD, simply input the following information:
- Beneficiary's Current Age: Your age as of December 31st of the year for which you are calculating the RMD.
- Inherited IRA Balance (as of Dec 31 of prior year): The fair market value of the Inherited IRA account on December 31st of the year immediately preceding the year for which you are calculating the RMD.
- Year of Original IRA Owner's Death: The calendar year in which the original IRA owner passed away.
- Year for which RMD is being calculated: The specific year for which you want to determine the RMD.
- Beneficiary Type: Select whether you are an Eligible Designated Beneficiary (EDB) or a Non-Eligible Designated Beneficiary (NEDB).
- Did Original Owner Die After Their Required Beginning Date (RBD)?: This question will appear only if you are a Non-Eligible Designated Beneficiary and the owner died in 2020 or later. Select 'Yes' or 'No' based on the owner's situation.
The calculator will then provide your estimated RMD and an explanation of the rules applied.
Important Considerations
- Spousal Beneficiaries: A surviving spouse has additional options, such as rolling the inherited IRA into their own IRA (treating it as their own) or treating it as an inherited IRA. This calculator assumes the spouse is treating it as an inherited IRA.
- Trusts as Beneficiaries: If a trust is the beneficiary, the RMD rules can be even more complex and depend on the type of trust. Consult a financial advisor for these situations.
- Accuracy: This calculator provides estimates based on general IRS rules. Tax laws are complex and can change. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor or tax professional for personalized advice regarding your specific situation.
Examples:
Example 1: Eligible Designated Beneficiary (EDB) – Post-SECURE Act
- Beneficiary's Current Age: 45
- Inherited IRA Balance (Dec 31 of prior year): $150,000
- Year of Original IRA Owner's Death: 2021
- Year for which RMD is being calculated: 2024
- Beneficiary Type: Eligible Designated Beneficiary (e.g., spouse, minor child, or not more than 10 years younger)
- Owner Died After RBD?: N/A (EDB rules apply)
- Calculation: Beneficiary Age 45, Life Expectancy Factor = 38.9. RMD = $150,000 / 38.9 = $3,856.04
- Result: Your Estimated Inherited IRA RMD for 2024 is: $3,856.04. As an EDB, you stretch RMDs over your life expectancy.
Example 2: Non-Eligible Designated Beneficiary (NEDB) – Owner Died BEFORE RBD – Post-SECURE Act
- Beneficiary's Current Age: 50
- Inherited IRA Balance (Dec 31 of prior year): $200,000
- Year of Original IRA Owner's Death: 2020
- Year for which RMD is being calculated: 2024 (4th year after death)
- Beneficiary Type: Non-Eligible Designated Beneficiary (e.g., adult child)
- Owner Died After RBD?: No
- Calculation: Owner died in 2020, before RBD. 10-year rule applies. 2024 is within the first 9 years.
- Result: Your Estimated Inherited IRA RMD for 2024 is: $0.00. No annual RMDs are required until the 10th year (2030) following the owner's death, at which point the entire account must be distributed.
Example 3: Non-Eligible Designated Beneficiary (NEDB) – Owner Died AFTER RBD – Post-SECURE Act
- Beneficiary's Current Age: 60
- Inherited IRA Balance (Dec 31 of prior year): $100,000
- Year of Original IRA Owner's Death: 2022
- Year for which RMD is being calculated: 2024 (2nd year after death)
- Beneficiary Type: Non-Eligible Designated Beneficiary
- Owner Died After RBD?: Yes
- Calculation: Beneficiary Age 60, Life Expectancy Factor = 25.4. RMD = $100,000 / 25.4 = $3,937.01
- Result: Your Estimated Inherited IRA RMD for 2024 is: $3,937.01. Since the original owner died after their RBD, you must take annual RMDs based on your life expectancy for years 1-9. The entire account must be distributed by the end of 2032.
Example 4: Pre-SECURE Act Rules
- Beneficiary's Current Age: 55
- Inherited IRA Balance (Dec 31 of prior year): $120,000
- Year of Original IRA Owner's Death: 2019
- Year for which RMD is being calculated: 2024
- Beneficiary Type: Non-Eligible Designated Beneficiary (under new rules, but old rules apply)
- Owner Died After RBD?: N/A (Pre-SECURE Act)
- Calculation: Beneficiary Age 55, Life Expectancy Factor = 29.8. RMD = $120,000 / 29.8 = $4,026.85
- Result: Your Estimated Inherited IRA RMD for 2024 is: $4,026.85. Since the original owner died before 2020, you can stretch RMDs over your life expectancy under the old rules.