4 Dates Every Retiree Should Circle on Their 2026 Calendar

When you’re retired, the days have a way of blending together. You can easily lose track of time when you’re not reporting to work every day, but rather, going about your new routine and enjoying your leisurely lifestyle.

But there are certain dates this year that you’ll need to keep on your radar. Here are four key 2026 dates to circle so you don’t forget them.

1. April 1

People who have their retirement savings in a traditional IRA or 401(k) plan need to start thinking about required minimum distributions, or RMDs, once they turn 73 (or later for younger workers today).

RMDs are generally due by Dec. 31 each year. But you’re allowed to delay your first RMD to April 1 of the year after you turn 73.

If you delayed your first RMD in 2025, you’ll need to make sure that money is withdrawn from your retirement account by April 1 this year. You’ll also need to prepare for a potentially large tax bill this year, since it means you’ll be taking two RMDs in 2026.

You may want to talk to a tax professional about ways to minimize that tax hit. You may, for example, be able to sell certain investments at a loss to help offset the tax obligation your RMD results in. You can also work with a professional to potentially avoid having your RMD increase your taxable income, like donating that money to charity directly.

2. April 15

Some retirees assume they don’t have to deal with filing taxes. But you may have to file a return. And if so, the deadline to do so is April 15.

There can be steep penalties for failing to submit a tax return on time if you owe the IRS money, so it’s important to know the deadline. It’s also a good idea to try to get your taxes done early so you’re less stressed.

3. October 15

If you’re a Medicare enrollee, Oct. 15 is when Medicare open enrollment kicks off each year. During that time, you can make changes to your Medicare coverage. That could mean switching from one Part D plan to another, switching from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, or dumping Medicare Advantage and moving to original Medicare instead.

Some people may opt to sit out open enrollment if they’re happy with their Medicare coverage. But it’s in your best interest to look through your plan choices every fall. You may find an option that’s cheaper than what you’re currently paying for.

4. December 31

Dec. 31 is when RMDs are due if it isn’t your first one. Failing to take an RMD could leave you paying a costly 25% penalty on whatever amount you don’t remove from your retirement savings.

It’s also not a good idea to wait until December 31 exactly to take that withdrawal. You may want the money to sit in your retirement account for as long as possible so it can enjoy a little more tax-advantaged growth. But you should schedule your RMD a bit ahead of December 31 in case there’s a snag. That gives you time to correct it and avoid getting penalized.