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401(k) Minimum Distributions: What You Need to Know

Here are the 401(k) RMD rules for 2024 and 2025.

By Kailey Hagen – Updated Nov 6, 2025 at 4:16 PM

Key Points

  • Starting at age 73, 401(k) holders must take minimum yearly withdrawals or face a 25% IRS penalty.
  • Switching to a Roth 401(k) or Roth IRA avoids required minimum distributions and future withdrawal taxes.
  • If inheriting a 401(k), different rules apply for distributions depending on your relationship to the deceased.
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About the Author

Kailey Hagen
Kailey Hagen, CFP, is a contributing Motley Fool retirement analyst covering Social Security, Medicare, and retirement planning. Before The Motley Fool, Kailey was a research analyst for Reviews.com focusing on credit and banking products. She is a Certified Financial Planner® and holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
TMFKailey
The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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