What Happens When I Inherit Money? A Comprehensive Guide to Inheritance

Inheriting money can be a life-changing event, filled with both excitement and uncertainty. While the prospect of receiving a windfall is undoubtedly appealing, it’s crucial to understand the intricacies involved in managing inherited assets and navigating the legal and financial aspects of inheritance. This comprehensive guide will delve into the various facets of inheritance, providing you with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions and maximize the benefits of your inheritance.

What is an Inheritance?

An inheritance encompasses the assets you receive from a loved one upon their passing. These assets can include:

  • Cash: This could be money held in bank accounts, certificates of deposit, or other liquid assets.
  • Investment assets: This includes stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other investment vehicles.
  • Real property: This encompasses land, houses, and other real estate holdings.
  • Personal property: This includes items such as jewelry, furniture, collectibles, and other tangible assets.

How Does Inheritance Work?

The process of inheritance involves several key steps:

  1. Estate Planning: The deceased individual, known as the grantor, should have created an estate plan that outlines their wishes for the distribution of their assets. This plan typically includes a will or trust, which specifies the beneficiaries (individuals or entities who will receive the inheritance) and the distribution of assets.
  2. Probate: If the grantor had a will, the estate will go through probate, a legal process overseen by a court. During probate, the will is validated, the executor (the person responsible for carrying out the wishes of the will) is appointed, and the estate’s assets are inventoried, valued, and distributed to the beneficiaries.
  3. Distribution: Once the probate process is complete, the beneficiaries will receive their inheritance. This may involve receiving cash, transferring ownership of real estate, or taking possession of personal property.

What Happens When You Get an Inheritance?

The process of receiving an inheritance can be complex and time-consuming. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

  1. Notification: You will be notified by the executor of the estate that you are a beneficiary and will receive an inheritance.
  2. Inventory and Valuation: The executor will prepare an inventory of the estate’s assets and determine their value.
  3. Payment of Debts and Taxes: The executor will pay any outstanding debts and taxes owed by the estate.
  4. Distribution: Once all debts and taxes have been paid, the remaining assets will be distributed to the beneficiaries according to the instructions in the will.

What to Do With Your Inheritance

Inheriting money presents a unique opportunity to improve your financial well-being. Here are some steps to consider:

  1. Seek Professional Advice: Consult with a financial advisor to develop a comprehensive financial plan that aligns with your goals and risk tolerance.
  2. Pay Off Debt: Consider using your inheritance to pay off high-interest debt, such as credit card debt or payday loans. This can save you a significant amount of money in interest payments over time.
  3. Invest Wisely: Invest your inheritance in a diversified portfolio of assets that matches your risk tolerance and investment goals. This will help you grow your wealth over the long term.
  4. Consider Your Financial Goals: Use your inheritance to achieve your financial goals, such as saving for retirement, purchasing a home, or funding your children’s education.
  5. Seek Legal Guidance: If you have any questions or concerns about the inheritance process, consult with an attorney specializing in estate planning and probate law.

Tax Implications of Inheritance

In most cases, you will not have to pay income tax on the money you inherit. However, there are some exceptions:

  • Retirement accounts: If you inherit a retirement account, such as an IRA or 401(k), you will be responsible for paying income tax on the distributions you receive from the account.
  • Capital gains: If you inherit assets that have appreciated in value since the grantor’s death, you may be liable for capital gains tax when you sell those assets.

Inheriting money can be a significant financial event. By understanding the process, making informed decisions, and seeking professional guidance when necessary, you can maximize the benefits of your inheritance and ensure that it contributes to your long-term financial well-being.

What are Inheritance Taxes?

Many states assess an inheritance tax. This implies that when you receive an inheritance, you, the beneficiary, will be required to pay taxes. The state in which you reside, the amount of your inheritance, the kinds of assets included, and your relationship to the deceased will all affect how much you will be assessed. Check out our special guide on all you need to know about the inheritance tax, as taxes play a significant role in your inheritance planning.

What Happens When You Get an Inheritance?

When you receive an inheritance, there are a few things you need to do, as we mentioned in the section above. The Executor is responsible for paying any unpaid bills and taxes after submitting the Will and other pertinent documents to the probate court. Following that, the ownership of any tangible assets will transfer and financial assets will be disbursed. To do this, the Executor will adhere to the directives found in the Will. This procedure can take several weeks to months, as you might expect.

The Smartest Thing To Do With An Inheritance

FAQ

Do you have to report inheritance money to IRS?

In general, any inheritance you receive does not need to be reported to the IRS. You typically don’t need to report inheritance money to the IRS because inheritances aren’t considered taxable income by the federal government. That said, earnings made off of the inheritance may need to be reported.

How is inheritance money paid out?

The Executor must submit the Will and other important documents to the probate court, and then pay any outstanding bills and taxes. Once that’s done, you can expect to receive a disbursement of financial assets and transfer of ownership of any tangible assets.

Does inheriting money count as income?

Inheritances are not considered income for federal tax purposes, whether the individual inherits cash, investments or property.

What happens if you inherit money & property at the same time?

While inheriting money, property, and other assets can bring about positive changes for your household, handling an inheritance can be difficult as you’ll almost certainly be dealing with a loss at the same time. One important piece of advice—take time to process the loss before making big lifestyle or financial choices.

What happens if a person inherits a large amount of money?

When a person inherits a large amount of money – often referred to as “sudden wealth” – they are often overwhelmed and getting personal financial planning help can be life-changing. Erin has more than 15 years of experience in comprehensive wealth management and personal finance.

What happens if you get a large inheritance?

Coming into a large inheritance doesn’t guarantee financial security. Without a plan, it’s very easy to blow a windfall. The sudden rush of money can spark lifestyle inflation and irrational behavior. Beneficiaries are sometimes in worse financial shape after inheritance than before.

What should I do if I inherit a large amount of money?

If you inherit a large amount of money, take your time in deciding what to do with it. A federally insured bank or credit union account can be a good, safe place to park the money while you make your decisions. Paying off high-interest debts such as credit card debt is one good use for an inheritance.

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