35% of workers delay retirement

A 2026 survey found 35% of American workers pushed their expected retirement age later in the past three years, with rising living costs cited by 64% as the main reason.

“35% said they had pushed their expected retirement age later over the previous three years.”

The 401(k) gets a reprieve

A 73-year-old still working can postpone required minimum distributions from their current employer's 401(k), but the same rule does not apply to traditional IRAs or old 401(k)s from previous employers.

“a worker generally can postpone RMDs from the 401(k) maintained by the employer he is still working for until after he retires.”

Three accounts, one clock

A 73-year-old can have three nearly identical retirement accounts at the same brokerage, but only the current employer's 401(k) gets to follow the employment date. The IRA and old 401(k)s must start paying out regardless.

“A 73-year-old can therefore have three retirement accounts that look nearly identical on a statement while only one gets to follow his employment date.”

IRA withdrawals trigger Social Security taxes

Federal taxation of Social Security depends on combined income. For single filers, combined income above $34,000 can make up to 85% of benefits taxable. An IRA required distribution pushes many workers into this range.

“For a single filer, combined income above $34,000 can make up to 85% of benefits taxable.”

The math of a real scenario

A 73-year-old earning $60,000 in salary, receiving $28,800 in Social Security, and facing a $22,000 IRA withdrawal exceeds the $34,000 threshold, making up to 85% of Social Security taxable. The untouched current 401(k) avoids this problem.

Rolling over can change the game

If your current employer's 401(k) accepts rollovers, you may move eligible IRA money or old 401(k) balances into it. Once there, those dollars may receive the same still-working treatment and escape required distributions while employed.

“he may be able to move eligible pretax IRA money or balances from former-employer plans into the current 401(k).”

Timing and rules matter

Any IRA required distribution already due for the year must come out first and cannot be rolled over. Only the remaining eligible money can be rolled into the 401(k). Plan fees, investment choices, and ownership stakes also affect whether a rollover makes sense.

“Any IRA RMD already due for the year has to come out first. An RMD itself cannot be rolled into a 401(k).”

Three steps to check your accounts

Identify which account belongs to your current employer. Ask whether that 401(k) accepts rollovers. Run your tax return with and without future required distributions to see the Social Security impact.

“Before assuming another year on payroll postpones every RMD, check three pieces of the retirement picture separately.”