Deferring RMD Can Add $70,000 to $900,000 IRA Holder's Income

Deferring the first Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) until April 1 may increase a retiree's retirement income by $70,000 for a holder of a $900,000 IRA. This decision can significantly impact the modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) for Medicare calculations, potentially raising 2028 premiums due to a two-year lookback on income. The first tier of the Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) surcharge could cost couples around $2,300 annually, while the second tier could escalate Medicare bills to nearly $6,000. Approximately 8% of Medicare beneficiaries with Part B currently pay an IRMAA surcharge, affecting those with MAGI near 2026's thresholds of $218,000 for joint filers and $109,000 for singles.