Apr 15, 2026
For many retirees, required minimum distributions (RMDs) can feel like a tax trap — forcing you to withdraw money whether you need it or not, and potentially inflating your tax bill in the process.
Depending on your birth year, you generally have to start pulling money out of your IRA or 401(k) and paying tax on it at age 73 or 75, according to the Internal Revenue Service (1).
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While RMDs themselves are mandatory, overpaying taxes on them isn't. Vanguard research (2) found that many retirees either get the timing or amount wrong, or don't plan distributions strategically, which can drive up tax bills over time.
There are three big mistakes to look out for.
These 3 RMD mistakes can drain your savings
RMD rules aren't just about taking money out, they also shape how and when your retirement income gets taxed. In other words, it's not the withdrawals themselves that cause the damage, it's how they're timed, used and layered into a broader tax strategy.
Here are three common mistakes that can quietly cost you. (3)
1. Getting the timing wrong
You're allowed to delay your first RMD until April 1 of the following year. But that "grace period" can backfire. Push it off, and you'll still need to take your second RMD by Dec. 31 of that same year which means two taxable withdrawals in one calendar year. That can inflate your income and bump you into a higher tax bracket.
2. Assuming you have to spend the money
Once your RMD is withdrawn, it's yours to use or not. The IRS only cares that it's taxed. But some retirees treat it like forced spending, when it could be an opportunity to reinvest or save those funds.
3. Doing a Roth conversion at the wrong moment
Though moving money into a Roth IRA can eliminate future RMD requirements, the converted amount counts as taxable income in the year you make the move. A large, one-time conversion can trigger a major tax spike and even have knock-on effects beyond your tax bill.
It can push more of your income into higher marginal brackets, reduce eligibility for certain tax credits and deductions, and even increase the portion of your Social Security benefits that are taxable.
In some cases, it can also trigger surtaxes or phaseouts that many retirees don't see coming.
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How to keep more of your retirement income
RMDs may be inevitable, but you don't have to overpay taxes on them. Here's how you can stay in control:
Be strategic about your first RMD. Before delaying your first withdrawal, consider the tax impact (4) of doubling up distributions in one year. In many cases, taking it earlier helps spread out your income and reduce the overall tax burden.
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Never miss a withdrawal deadline. Failing to take your RMD on time can result in a penalty of up to 25% of the amount you should have withdrawn, according to the IRS (5). Set reminders or automate withdrawals to avoid this costly mistake.
Reinvest. If you don't need your RMD for living expenses, keep that money working. There's no rule that says RMD money has to be spent. Once it's withdrawn and taxed, it can be reinvested in a brokerage account, parked in savings or moved into other income-generating vehicles to keep growing.
Use charitable giving to reduce taxes. A qualified charitable distribution (QCD) allows you to send money directly from your IRA to a charity, which can lower your taxable income while supporting causes you care about.
Spread out Roth conversions. Converting traditional IRA funds into a Roth can reduce future RMDs, but the Internal Revenue Service treats each conversion as taxable income in the year it's made. Spreading conversions over multiple years can help manage your tax bracket and avoid a sudden spike.
RMDs are meant to ensure retirement savings are eventually taxed but that doesn't mean you have to give up more than necessary. With the right timing and strategy, you can meet the rules while keeping more of your money where it belongs.
Article sources
We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our ethics and guidelines.
Internal Revenue Service (1, 4, 5); Vanguard (2); USA Today (3)
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Jessica is a freelance writer with a professional background in economic development and small business consulting. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Sociology and is completing her Publishing Certificate.
