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Losing a parent is never easy, and dealing with their financial affairs can be an added burden during this difficult time. If your parent has left you an IRA, understanding the rules and options available to you is crucial for making informed decisions about your financial future. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to navigate the process of inheriting an IRA from a parent and make the best choice for your situation.
Understanding the Taxes on Inherited IRAs
The first step in managing an inherited IRA is understanding the tax implications. The tax treatment of inherited IRAs depends on the type of IRA and the actions you take:
Roth IRA: Distributions from Roth IRAs are generally tax-free, including inherited Roth IRAs. However, the five-year rule still applies. If less than five years have passed since the first Roth contribution was made, the earnings portion of the distribution will be taxed as ordinary income.
Traditional IRA: Distributions from traditional IRAs are taxed as ordinary income. However, if the IRA includes an after-tax contribution, that portion will not be taxed when withdrawn. Additionally, there is no early withdrawal penalty for beneficiaries, regardless of their age.
Distribution Options for Inherited IRAs
As a non-spouse beneficiary inheriting an IRA from a parent, you have two main options:
- Lump-sum distribution: You can withdraw the entire balance of the IRA in one lump sum. This will trigger immediate taxation on the taxable portion of the distribution in the year you receive it. While a lump sum can be helpful in the short term, it may not be the most tax-efficient option in the long run.
- Transfer to an inherited IRA: You can transfer the funds into an inherited IRA in your name. This allows you to continue to defer taxes on the account’s growth and spread your distributions over multiple tax years. To transfer the funds, you’ll need to open an inherited IRA with a financial institution that offers this type of account. Make sure to complete the paperwork correctly, as improper instructions could result in unintended tax consequences.
Choosing the Best Option for Your Situation
The best option for you will depend on your individual circumstances. Here are some factors to consider:
- Your current tax bracket: If you are in a high tax bracket, taking a lump-sum distribution could push you into an even higher bracket, resulting in a significant tax bill. Transferring the funds to an inherited IRA could allow you to spread your distributions over multiple years and potentially reduce your tax burden.
- Your financial needs: If you need immediate access to funds, a lump-sum distribution may be the best option. However, if you don’t need the money right away, transferring the funds to an inherited IRA can allow your money to continue to grow tax-deferred.
- Your risk tolerance: If you are risk-averse, transferring the funds to an inherited IRA may be a good option, as it allows you to maintain the same level of investment diversification as the original IRA. However, if you are comfortable with taking on more risk, you could consider investing the lump-sum distribution in a different way.
Seeking Professional Guidance
Navigating the complexities of inherited IRAs can be challenging, especially during a time of grief. Consulting with a financial advisor can help you understand your options and make informed decisions about managing your inherited IRA. A financial advisor can:
- Explain the tax implications of different distribution options.
- Help you choose the best option for your individual circumstances.
- Develop a comprehensive financial plan that incorporates your inherited IRA.
Inheriting an IRA from a parent can be a significant financial windfall. However, it’s important to understand the rules and options available to you before making any decisions. By carefully considering your tax situation, financial needs, and risk tolerance, you can choose the best option for managing your inherited IRA and ensuring your financial security for the future.
Take the tax break coming to you
An inherited IRA may be taxable, depending on the type. If you inherit a Roth IRA, you’re free of taxes. However, any withdrawal from a traditional IRA is liable to regular income taxes.
Inheritors of an IRA will receive an income tax deduction for the estate taxes paid on the account for estates subject to estate tax. “Income in respect of a decedent” refers to the taxable income earned but not received by the deceased. ”.
According to Choate, “any distribution you take out of an IRA is taxable income.” “However, you receive an income tax deduction for the estate taxes paid on the IRA because the decedent’s estate was required to pay federal estate taxes.” It is possible for you to have $1 million in income and deduct $350,000 from it. ”.
“Just because someone paid the taxes doesn’t mean that you were the one who did,” she says.
For 2024, estates worth more than $13. The estate tax now applies to 61 million, up from $12 92 million in 2023.
What is an inherited IRA?
When you inherit a tax-advantaged retirement plan—such as an IRA or a retirement-sponsored plan like a 401(k)—after the owner passes away, you can open an inherited IRA.
Usually, an heir must transfer funds from the original owner’s account to a freshly opened individual retirement account (IRA) in their own name. Because of this, a beneficiary IRA can also be used to refer to an inherited IRA.
An individual can inherit an IRA, but the rules governing how they must be handled vary based on whether they are the original owner’s spouse or someone else. There are, however, a few exceptions to this rule, which are detailed below.
What To Do With An Inherited IRA From Parent
FAQ
What is the best thing to do with an inherited IRA?
What happens when you inherit your parents IRA?
How do I avoid paying taxes on my inherited IRA?
Does an inherited IRA have to be cashed out?
What if I inherited an IRA from my parents?
Prior to January 1, 2020, if you inherited an IRA from your parents, you were able to keep that account open for the rest of your life (and maintain the tax benefits) as long as you took a required distribution every year. The required distribution was calculated using an IRS formula and was generally only a fraction of the total account value.
How does an inherited IRA work?
Inheritors of retirement accounts move their inheritance into an inherited IRA to maintain tax status and ensure withdrawal rules are followed. RMD: A required minimum distribution (RMD) is a mandatory withdrawal from tax-deferred retirement accounts that starts when the account owner reaches the age of 73. Timing may differ for inheritors.
What happens if you inherited an IRA account?
If you inherit an account that was already inherited, your options depend on the original account owner and their original beneficiary, who you inherited from. You’ll need to know when both account owners passed away and possibly what distribution rules your loved one was using for their inherited IRA.
How do you take inherited assets into an IRA?
Move inherited assets into an Inherited IRA in the name of the trust and begin taking RMDs the year following the year of the original depositor’s death using the original owner’s life expectancy in the year they passed away reduced by 1 annually.