# IRS Lets 73-Year-Olds Skip RMDs on Current 401(k) but Not IRA

> 73-year-olds can skip retirement withdrawals from current employer's 401(k) but not IRA after rolling over old 401(k) into IRA
- Title: IRS Lets 73-Year-Olds Skip RMDs on Current 401(k) but Not IRA
- Summary: 73-year-olds can skip retirement withdrawals from current employer's 401(k) but not IRA after rolling over old 401(k) into IRA Current employer's 401(k)…
- Keywords: irs, rmd, 401k, ira, retirement, current employer, rollover, mandatory withdrawals, tax code, Lets, 73-Year-Olds, Skip
- Source: 24/7 Wall St. — https://247wallst.com/personal-finance/2026/09/20/still-working-at-73-the-irs-lets-you-skip-rmds-on-your-current-employers-401k-but-not-on-the-ira-you-rolled-your-last-one-into
- Author: Jake FitzGerald
- Published: 2026-09-20T23:36:04+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: irs, rmd, 401k, ira, retirement, 73, current employer, rollover, mandatory withdrawals, tax code
## Still Working at 73?
The IRS lets you skip required minimum distributions on your current employer's 401(k) if you're still employed.
## The Still-Working Exception
This rule applies only to the qualified plan of your current employer, not IRAs or previous 401(k)s.
## How It Works
If you're employed by the company on December 31 of the distribution year, you can defer RMDs until April 1 after retirement.
## The 5% Owner Trap
If you own more than 5% of the business, the exception doesn't apply, even if you're still working.
## Why IRA Gets No Reprieve
IRAs follow different rules and the IRS never extended the still-working exception to them.
## Old 401(k) Still Exposed
Previous employer's 401(k) doesn't qualify for the exception and must start RMDs at age 73.
## Rollover Considerations
Consolidating old 401(k) into current employer's plan may help avoid RMDs but requires checking plan rules.
## Key Questions Before Rollover
Check if current 401(k) accepts rollovers, compare fees, and confirm 5% ownership status before moving funds.
## Key takeaway

Current employer's 401(k) avoids mandatory withdrawals until retirement while IRA must start payouts at age 73