Simple RMD

SimpleRMD is an online calculator and tracking platform built specifically for managing Required Minimum Distributions from retirement accounts. Anyone who holds traditional IRAs, inherited IRAs, or other tax-deferred retirement accounts eventually faces the annual obligation to withdraw a minimum amount once they reach a certain age. Getting these calculations wrong can result in steep IRS penalties, and juggling multiple accounts across different brokerages makes the whole process even more complicated. SimpleRMD addresses this by providing accurate RMD calculations using the same IRS life expectancy tables that CPAs rely on, giving users confidence that the numbers they see match what the government expects them to withdraw each year.

The platform works by letting users input their retirement account information and then calculating the exact RMD amounts based on current IRS guidelines. What sets it apart from generic retirement calculators is the multi-account dashboard that consolidates IRAs from various brokerages like Fidelity, Schwab, Vanguard, and others into a single view. Instead of logging into five different brokerage accounts and manually tracking withdrawal requirements for each, users see everything in one place. The dashboard shows balances, calculates individual RMDs for each account, and presents a clear picture of total annual withdrawal obligations. This consolidation alone saves significant time and reduces the risk of overlooking an account or miscalculating a distribution.

Deadline tracking is another core feature that proves essential for anyone managing RMDs. Missing an RMD deadline triggers a penalty that used to be 50% of the required amount and now sits at 25% under recent tax law changes. That's still a massive hit for something that could be avoided with proper reminders. SimpleRMD provides automated deadline reminders so users don't have to rely on memory or manual calendar entries. The system knows when each RMD is due and sends notifications accordingly, removing the anxiety of potentially missing a deadline and facing penalties that could amount to thousands of dollars.

The platform particularly serves two distinct audiences. The first is individuals managing their own RMDs from multiple IRAs who have accumulated retirement accounts over decades of working and now need to navigate the withdrawal phase. The second is people who have inherited IRAs and must comply with the 10-year rule that applies to most non-spouse beneficiaries under current regulations. Inherited IRA rules have become notably complex in recent years, with different requirements depending on when the original account holder passed away and the beneficiary's relationship to them. SimpleRMD provides guidance on these scenarios and helps users understand their specific deadlines and obligations under the 10-year distribution framework.

For those who work with financial professionals, the platform offers CPA-ready PDF exports that can be shared directly with tax preparers. Rather than printing out statements from each brokerage and manually compiling the information, users generate a clean document that summarizes all their RMD information in a format accountants appreciate. There's also read-only sharing functionality that allows family members or financial advisors to view the dashboard without having full access. This proves useful for adult children helping aging parents manage their finances or for individuals who want their CPA to monitor their RMD situation throughout the year without handing over account credentials.

The basic calculator requires no signup and is available to anyone who wants a quick RMD calculation. Users can input their age, account balance, and account type to receive an immediate estimate of their required distribution. For those who need the full dashboard experience with multiple accounts, deadline reminders, and sharing capabilities, paid plans are available. The free calculator provides genuine utility for people who only need occasional calculations, while the premium features serve those with more complex situations involving multiple accounts and beneficiaries who need ongoing tracking throughout the year.

SimpleRMD fills a specific gap in the retirement planning toolkit. While most brokerage platforms offer their own RMD calculators, none of them consolidate accounts from competitors or provide a unified view across institutions. Financial advisors often handle this manually using spreadsheets, but individuals managing their own retirement funds typically lack a centralized solution. The platform brings together calculation accuracy, deadline management, multi-account consolidation, and professional sharing features in a way that directly addresses the practical challenges of RMD compliance.