It's called a required minimum distribution, or RMD. Here's the required minimum distribution on $50,000 worth of retirement savings at a range of ages, beginning with age 73, which is when RMD rules first kick in. Chief among them is that RMD rules only apply to ordinary IRAs like contributory/traditional IRAs, 401(k) accounts, or 403(b) accounts. One key exception is 401(k) accounts; you must take your calculated minimum distribution from each and every one, assuming you own more than one. As for timing, although your very first required minimum distribution doesn't need to be completed until April 1 in the year after you turn 73, subsequent RMDs must be completed by the end of the calendar year.