Social Security

The most important retirement date is the actual date you get to stop working — but there are other retirement planning dates that are extremely important as well. Keep these deadlines in mind as you plan for your retirement:

Required minimum distributions: You must start taking minimum distributions from 401(k) and traditional IRA accounts when you are 70.5 years old, but you can wait until April 1 of the year after you turn 70.5 to take your first required minimum distribution from your retirement accounts. (Then all subsequent distributions are due by Dec. 31.) Delaying your first required distribution could mean taking two required withdrawals in the same year, potentially increasing your tax burden.

Keep in mind you do not have to take minimum distributions from your Roth IRA.

Stop contributing to a traditional IRA: Once you begin to take required minimum distributions from a traditional IRA at age 70.5 you can no longer contribute to a traditional IRA. But if your spouse is younger and still eligible to make contributions, he or she can contribute to your IRA by making a spousal contribution.

Read the entire article: 6 Retirement Planning Deadlines You Must Know