Understanding or calculating your RMD (Required Minimum Distribution) – IRA Central

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:

Log in to your AET account
Submit a Withdrawal / Distribution request
(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. When in doubt, consult a trusted tax or financial advisor.