Understanding Inherited IRAs- What You Need to Know

When a loved one passes away and leaves behind an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), the beneficiary faces a unique set of rules and regulations. An Inherited IRA, also known as a beneficiary IRA, is an account that a person sets up after inheriting an IRA or another type of employer-sponsored retirement plan. Understanding the nuances of inherited IRAs is essential for beneficiaries, as it can greatly affect taxation and withdrawals.

Key Takeaways

• An inherited IRA is established when you inherit an IRA from a deceased account owner.
• Beneficiaries cannot make additional contributions to an inherited IRA.
• Different rules apply for withdrawing funds depending on whether the beneficiary is a spouse or a non-spouse.
• The SECURE Act mandates non-spousal beneficiaries to withdraw all funds within ten years of the original owner's death.
• Traditional IRA owners must begin taking required minimum distributions starting at age 73.

How an Inherited IRA Works

An Inherited IRA is the result of transferring assets from a deceased individual's IRA into a new account opened in the beneficiary's name. The inheritance can be from various types of IRAs, including traditional, Roth, SEP, and SIMPLE IRAs. Here are some essential points about inherited IRAs:

• No Additional Contributions: Beneficiaries cannot make extra contributions to the inherited IRA.
• Tax Reporting: Beneficiaries must report inherited IRAs and their distributions for tax purposes using IRS forms 1099-R and 5498.
• Similar Regulations for Different IRAs: The tax treatment for withdrawals differs based on whether the IRA is a traditional or Roth account.

Rules for Spousal Beneficiaries

Spouses enjoy greater flexibility concerning inherited IRAs, including:

• Rolling Over: A spouse can roll over a traditional inherited IRA into their own IRA, allowing them to defer required minimum distributions (RMDs) until they turn 73, as per SECURE 2.0.
• Setting Up a Separate Account: A spousal beneficiary can also opt for a separate inherited IRA.

If the account owner was already taking RMDs at the time of death, the spousal beneficiary must continue with those distributions. If the original IRA owner hadn't begun taking RMDs, the beneficiary has a five-year timeframe to withdraw the funds.

Rules for Non-Spousal Beneficiaries

Non-spousal beneficiaries face stricter rules regarding inherited IRAs. Here’s a breakdown:

• No Contributions or Transfers: Non-spousal beneficiaries cannot treat the inherited IRA as their own, meaning no additional contributions or transfers into personal IRAs are allowed.
• Withdrawal Mandates: The SECURE Act requires non-spousal beneficiaries to withdraw the total balance of the inherited account within ten years of the original owner’s death, making it crucial to plan withdrawals strategically.

Exemptions to the 10-Year Withdrawal Rule: 1. Beneficiaries who are chronically ill or disabled. 2. Minor children of the original owner. 3. Individuals within ten years of age from the deceased.

For non-spousal beneficiaries, Roth IRAs maintain their tax-free status even after withdrawal, unlike traditional IRAs, which can incur taxes on withdrawals.

Options for Receiving Benefits

When a beneficiary inherits an IRA, they have several options based on their relationship with the deceased:

For Spousal Beneficiaries

1. Lump-Sum Distribution: The distribution is taxable.
2. Roll Over: Transfer the funds into their own IRA.
3. Inherited IRA Setup: Set up an inherited IRA.
4. Disclaim: Choose not to claim the funds, passing the rights to contingent beneficiaries.

For Non-Spousal Beneficiaries

1. Lump-Sum Distribution: Taxable to the beneficiary.
2. Inherited IRA Setup: Must set up as a new, separate inherited IRA.
3. Disclaim: Transfer rights to remaining beneficiaries or the estate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do Beneficiaries Pay Taxes on Inherited IRAs?

Beneficiaries may pay taxes based on the type of IRA inherited. Roth IRAs are typically tax-free, whereas traditional IRAs may be taxable upon withdrawal.

What Happens When You Inherit an IRA From a Parent?

If a minor inherits an IRA, a custodian may manage the account until the child reaches adulthood, at which point they can access the funds.

How Can I Avoid Paying Taxes on an Inherited IRA?

Getting strategic about taxes can begin before the original account holder passes. Converting a traditional IRA to a Roth can reduce the tax burden. Beneficiaries can also avoid taxable events by not making non-qualifying distributions.

The Bottom Line

Inherited IRAs serve as a critical link in retirement planning, especially given the complexities surrounding taxes and regulations. For inherited traditional IRAs, the tax implications and required distributions can be burdensome compared to Roth IRAs, which offer better tax-advantaged benefits. Understanding your options and obligations as a beneficiary can greatly influence your financial decisions and outcomes.