Many companies featured on Money advertise with us. Opinions are our own, but compensation and
in-depth research may determine where and how companies appear. Learn more about how we make money.

  1. Retirement
  2. IRAs

When Do I Have to Start Withdrawing From a Traditional IRA?

Published: May 20, 2014

While you can begin making qualified withdrawals from a traditional IRA at age 59½, you must start taking withdrawals that are known as "required minimum distributions" by April 1 following the calendar year in which you turn 70 ½. The amount of the distribution depends on how much you have saved in the account and your life expectancy, according to tables published by the IRS.

That's a major difference between a traditional IRA and a Roth IRA. If you own a Roth, you can leave the money in for as long as you want.