Tax law requires individual retirement account holders to begin taking out at least minimum amounts, known as RMDs, from their accounts once they reach age 70½. Technically, that means the IRA money must start coming out in specific increments no later than April 1 following the year you reach that age.

The exact distribution amount changes from year to year. It is calculated by dividing an account’s year-end value by the distribution period determined by the Internal Revenue Service.   click here for table