Do Early 401(k) Withdrawals Count Toward My RMDs?

RMD Essentials - The taxes on funds in tax-deferred accounts like 401(k) are delayed, not avoided, and income taxes are due upon withdrawal [4] - Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) start at age 73, preventing indefinite tax-free growth of retirement savings [4] RMD Rules - RMD rules are strict, and withdrawals before RMDs do not reduce future RMD amounts [5] - Excess withdrawals after RMDs have begun also do not directly affect future RMD calculations [5] Impact of Withdrawals - Taking withdrawals now or later in excess of RMD amounts can lower the account balance, which in turn reduces future RMDs [6] - Withdrawals are taxed as normal income regardless of when they are taken, making early withdrawals potentially beneficial if a higher tax bracket is anticipated post-retirement [6] Additional RMD Strategies - Working after retirement may allow for the delay of RMDs, applicable only to current employer's 401(k) plans [7] - RMDs must still be taken from 401(k) plans from previous employers, and stopping work triggers the need to start RMDs [7]