I should start taking some 401k distributions, withdrawing enough so that I do not incur a tax liability (less than $13,850) Federal law used to require that we take Minimum Distributions (a % of the balance) of taxable 401ks and IRAs beginning the year that we turn 70 1/2. I just read that the law changed starting in 2020. The age got bumped up to 72. The amount is not a whole lot. At age 72, it's 3.7% of the balance, if I understand correctly. That linked article also says that Minimum Distribution requirements got suspended for 2020 (a little late now) as part of a COVID relief package.