When should I take my required minimum distribution?

Required minimum distributions currently begin at age seventy-three for traditional retirement accounts. You must take that year's withdrawal by December thirty-first, though for your very first one you get a short grace period until April first of the following year. Be careful with that option, since doubling up two withdrawals in one year can push you into a higher tax bracket. Missing an RMD brings a stiff penalty, so mark the deadline clearly.