IRS reminded retirees that April 1 was the final day to begin required withdrawals from IRAs and 401(k)s

The Internal Revenue Service issued a reminder that retirees who turned 73 in 2024 were required to start receiving payments from Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs), 401(k)s, and similar workplace retirement plans by Tuesday, April 1, 2025.

Required minimum distributions (RMDs) are typically due by the end of the year. However, individuals who turned 73 in 2024 could delay their first RMD until April 1, 2025. This special rule applied to IRA owners and participants born after December 31, 1950.

Two RMD payments possible in the same year The April 1 RMD deadline applied only to the first year. For subsequent years, the distribution was due by December 31.

Taxpayers receiving their first required distribution for 2024 in 2025 (by April 1) needed to take their second RMD for 2025 by December 31, 2025. The first distribution was taxable in 2025 and reported on the 2025 tax return, alongside the regular 2025 distribution.