Do Roth IRAs have required minimum distributions like Traditional IRAs?

No – Roth IRAs have no required minimum distributions during the original owner's lifetime, which is a major advantage over Traditional IRAs. With a Traditional IRA you must start taking RMDs at age 73, whether you need the money or not, and pay tax on each withdrawal. A Roth IRA lets your money keep growing tax-free for as long as you live, giving you full control over when – or whether – to touch it. This makes Roth IRAs powerful for estate planning, since you can pass the whole balance to heirs. Note that inherited Roth IRAs DO carry distribution requirements for most beneficiaries under the 10-year rule, and Roth 401(k)s now also escape lifetime RMDs as of 2024. The lack of forced withdrawals is a key reason many people shift savings toward Roth as retirement nears.