Calculator Inputs
Example Data Table
| Scenario | Balance | Beneficiary age | Factor | Estimated minimum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult child, owner began RMDs | $250,000 | 46 | 39.0 | $6,410.26 |
| Eligible designated beneficiary | $180,000 | 62 | 24.4 | $7,377.05 |
| 10-year even plan | $300,000 | 40 | 45.0 | Varies by return |
| Roth inherited account | $120,000 | 35 | 50.0 | Tax field may be zero |
Formula Used
RMD estimate = prior December 31 balance / applicable denominator.
Applicable denominator = first Single Life Table factor minus one for each later distribution year.
Estimated ending balance = (opening balance - selected withdrawal) × (1 + expected return rate).
Estimated tax = selected withdrawal × taxable portion × combined tax rate.
The 10-year deadline is December 31 of the tenth year after the original owner died. If annual RMDs apply, the calculator compares that minimum with the selected withdrawal plan.
How to Use This Calculator
Enter the original owner dates, beneficiary date of birth, balance, and distribution year. Choose the beneficiary type and the withdrawal method that best matches your planning question.
Use the tax fields to estimate withholding or taxable impact. Use zero taxable portion for a Roth case only when the distribution is expected to be qualified.
Press Submit to view results above the form. Use the CSV or PDF buttons to save the same worksheet output.
Planning With an Inherited IRA RMD Tool
An inherited IRA can create useful income, but it also creates deadlines. This calculator helps beneficiaries model yearly withdrawals from an inherited account. It is designed for people comparing figures before using a custodian site or speaking with an adviser. Enter the prior year balance, ages, death year, tax rates, return estimate, and withdrawal method. The tool then shows a current year distribution, a tax estimate, and a projected schedule.
Why the Calculation Matters
Inherited account rules often depend on the beneficiary type and the owner status at death. Many non-spouse beneficiaries must empty the account by the end of the tenth year after death. Some beneficiaries may also need annual distributions before that final year. Eligible designated beneficiaries may be able to use life expectancy payments for longer planning. Spouses may have additional choices. Because rules can differ, the calculator includes several methods and clear notes.
Useful Planning Inputs
The prior December balance is the base for the current distribution. The beneficiary age is used to find an initial life expectancy factor. Later years reduce that factor by one. The expected return helps estimate future balances after withdrawals. Tax fields estimate possible federal and state tax. The taxable portion field helps compare traditional and Roth situations. A custom withdrawal field lets users test larger payments when they want smoother taxes.
Reading the Results
The result box appears above the form after submission. It shows the applicable denominator, suggested withdrawal, estimated tax, net cash, deadline year, and possible shortfall. The table projects each remaining year. It separates the minimum amount from the selected amount. This makes it easier to compare taking only the minimum with using equal payments. CSV and PDF buttons save the same planning output for records.
Important Limits
This tool is educational. It does not decide legal status, penalty relief, trust treatment, or state tax rules. It also does not connect to any custodian account. Actual balances, dividends, trades, fees, rollovers, and prior withdrawals can change results. Use the calculator as a planning worksheet. Then confirm the final distribution with your tax professional and account provider before acting.
Update assumptions whenever income, tax, or market changes appear during the year.
FAQs
Is this calculator affiliated with Fidelity?
No. It is an independent educational worksheet for planning inherited IRA distributions. It does not connect to Fidelity accounts or replace Fidelity tools.
What balance should I enter?
Enter the prior December 31 balance used for the distribution year. Adjust it if prior withdrawals or corrections require a different planning base.
What is the applicable denominator?
It is the life expectancy factor used to estimate a minimum distribution. This tool starts with the beneficiary age factor and reduces it by one each later year.
Does the 10-year rule always require annual withdrawals?
Not always. Annual withdrawals often depend on whether the original owner had begun RMDs and on beneficiary status. Confirm your exact rule before acting.
Can this handle inherited Roth accounts?
Yes, for planning. Choose Roth inherited IRA and adjust taxable portion. Some Roth distributions may be tax-free, but timing rules can still matter.
Why include tax rates?
Tax rates estimate cash left after a withdrawal. They are only rough planning inputs. Actual federal, state, and local treatment may differ.
What does the custom withdrawal option do?
It lets you test a chosen withdrawal amount. The result also shows any possible shortfall against the calculated minimum for the selected year.
Should I rely on this for filing?
No. Use it as an estimate only. Ask your tax professional and account provider to confirm deadlines, amounts, penalties, and beneficiary rules.