You must withdraw your RMD amount from your IRA, 401(k), etc., by December 31st of each year. The one exception to this December 31st deadline is your very first RMD. Your first RMD can be taken as late as April 1st in the year following the year in which you turn either 70 ½ or 72, depending on timing, which is explained further below. If you turn 72 in 2021 or before, you must start taking your first RMD on April 1, 2022. Your next RMD will be due at the end of the year in 2022. You could ...