72(t) Calculator

2026 rules

See how much a substantially equal periodic payment plan lets you take each year from an IRA before 59½ without the 10% early-withdrawal tax.

Your numbers

IRA balance

Your age at the first payment

Interest rate

Up to 5.54% for payments starting in late 2026 (the greater of 5% or 120% of the federal mid-term rate).

Result

Fixed amortization: yearly payment$32,285

Single Life Expectancy factor36.2
Interest rate used5.54%
Fixed amortization (per year)$32,285
per month$2,690
Required minimum distribution method (year 1)$13,812
per month$1,151
Payments must continue until age59.5 (5 years or 59½, whichever is later)
10% early-withdrawal tax avoided per year$3,228

Changing the payment before the period ends brings back the 10% tax on every payment so far, plus interest. A one-time switch to the RMD method is allowed.

How it works

IRS Notice 2022-6 allows three methods. The amortization method spreads the balance over your life expectancy at an interest rate of up to the greater of 5% or 120% of the federal mid-term rate. For October 2026 that cap is 5.54%.

The required minimum distribution method divides the balance by your life expectancy each year, so the payment changes with the account. It pays less at the start but carries less risk of draining the IRA.

Payments must run for five years or until 59½, whichever is longer. Changing them early brings back the 10% tax on every payment since the start, with interest. You may switch from amortization to the RMD method once.

2026 figures: IRS Publication 590-B, Appendix B; IRS Rev. Rul. 2026-19 (October 2026 AFRs); IRS Notice 2022-6 (72(t) payments).

Questions

Can I use only part of my IRA?

Yes. Split the IRA first and run the 72(t) plan on one account. The balance you enter is that account's value, which lets you size the payment you need.

Which life expectancy table does this use?

The Single Life table, which the notice allows at any age and which gives the largest payment. The Uniform and Joint tables give smaller payments.