--- title: Understanding or calculating your RMD (Required Minimum Distribution) description: Help Center --- [Skip to content](https://support.aetrust.com/understanding-or-calculating-your-rmd-required-minimum-distribution#main-content) English Show submenu for translations [More support](https://support.aetrust.com/kb-tickets/new?hsLang=en) [Customer portal](https://cs.aetrust.com/tickets-view?hsLang=en) [![American Estate & Trust](https://support.aetrust.com/hubfs/Website%20Assets/Logo%20Assets/logo-text.svg)](https://support.aetrust.com/?hsLang=en) Open main navigation Close main navigation - English Show submenu for translations - [More support](https://support.aetrust.com/kb-tickets/new) - [Customer portal](https://cs.aetrust.com/tickets-view) - [Contact us](https://aetrust.com/contact) [Contact us](https://aetrust.com/contact) How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Help Center](https://support.aetrust.com/?hsLang=en) 2. [Investor Portal](https://support.aetrust.com/investor-portal?hsLang=en) 3. [General Account Questions](https://support.aetrust.com/investor-portal?hsLang=en#general-account-questions) # Understanding or calculating your RMD (Required Minimum Distribution) If you're age 73 or older (or 72, if you reached that age before 2023), the IRS requires you to take a **Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)** each year from your retirement accounts, including your Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA) with AET. A common question we receive is: > **"Can you tell me how much I need to take for my RMD?"** > or > **"Can you calculate my RMD for me?"** Here’s what you need to know about how AET handles RMDs and why it's important to verify your RMD amount. ### 🧮 **How Your RMD Is Calculated** RMDs are calculated using: - Your **age** - Your **IRA balance as of December 31st** of the prior year - The IRS’s **Uniform Lifetime Table** You can calculate your own RMD using the IRS-provided tools here: 👉 IRS RMD Worksheets & Tools ### 📄 **Does AET Calculate My RMD?** Yes—AET provides a **basic RMD estimate** based solely on your IRA balance held with us. This estimated amount appears on your **Form 5498**, which is typically issued by **May 31st** each year. However, it’s important to understand that this amount is: - Only an **estimate** - **Not comprehensive** if you hold retirement accounts with other custodians - **Not guaranteed** to reflect the most current IRS rules ### 🔁 **RMD Rules Have Changed Frequently** The IRS has **changed RMD rules multiple times** in recent years—especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Some notable changes include: - **Temporary RMD waivers** (e.g., for 2020) - **Age changes** for RMD eligibility (from 70½ to 72, and now 73) - Adjustments to life expectancy tables used for RMD calculations Because of these updates, **estimates shown on Form 5498 may not reflect the latest IRS rules or apply to every situation**. This is another reason why it’s important not to rely solely on the RMD calculation we provide. ### ⚠️ **Our Disclaimer** While we’re happy to provide an estimate, **AET cannot officially calculate or confirm your exact RMD**. We strongly recommend: - Using the IRS RMD calculator - Consulting a financial advisor or tax professional, especially if: - You hold multiple IRAs or retirement accounts - You’ve inherited an IRA - You’ve missed an RMD in a prior year - You are unsure how new IRS changes affect you ### ✅ **How to Take Your RMD** Once you’ve determined the correct amount: 1. Log in to your AET account 2. Submit a **Withdrawal / Distribution** request 3. (Optional) Select **RMD** as the reason for distribution 📅 **Deadline:** RMDs must generally be taken by **December 31st** each year, except for your **first RMD**, which can be delayed until **April 1st** of the following year. ### 📄 **When Will My 5498 Be Available?** Your Form 5498 will be issued by **May 31st** and posted in your online account portal. This form includes your year-end IRA balance and our basic RMD estimate. ### 💬 Questions? If you’re unsure about how to submit your RMD distribution, our Support team can walk you through the process—but we **cannot guarantee the RMD amount listed on your Form 5498 is correct or sufficient**. 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