Retirement required minimum distribution 2025: Retirees aged 73 and older must take required minimum distributions (RMDs) from retirement accounts like 401(k)s and traditional IRAs. Vanguard estimates that missed RMDs could cost retirees up to $1.7 billion annually due to steep tax penalties. Key deadlines are April 1, 2026, for those turning 73 this year, and December 31, 2025, for those 74 and older.