Inherited Roth IRAs
Most married couples name one another as beneficiaries for their Roth accounts, though inherited IRAs require special rules in order to avoid tax penalties and maximize growth of an inherited Roth IRA. A qualified financial advisor can help ensure you abide by these rules in order to maximize its potential growth and performance.
IRS.gov offers extensive rules on withdrawals from inherited IRAs; however, seeking professional advice specifically about those withdrawals could be beneficial in keeping with legal requirements and tax implications. A financial advisor will examine all your options while keeping an eye on legal requirements and tax implications when reviewing them with you.
Assuming Ownership
Un inherited Roth IRA can be complicated, and for best results it’s wise to seek guidance from an adviser experienced in this area. Hiring a fee-only adviser could save thousands in taxes.
If you’re the surviving spouse of an original account holder, taking ownership and treating it as your own can allow you to avoid annual distributions and the 10% early withdrawal penalty.
Beneficiaries who aren’t the original account holders must take required minimum distributions (RMDs) by December 31 of the year following the death. They have two options for taking RMDs: “stretching out” their withdrawals over their single life expectancy or rolling the assets into an existing IRA for tax-free growth of investments – this rule was established through the SECURE Act of 2019. Prior to its passage, beneficiaries could stretch withdrawals out for decades and their account might never actually become tax-free.
Taking Lifetime Distributions
Non-spousal beneficiaries who inherit Roth accounts must begin taking required minimum distributions within 10 years after the original account owner dies. They have two options for withdrawing funds: treating it like their own and withdrawing in one lump sum, or transferring assets into an inherited IRA held in their name and making withdrawals over their lifetime, with any early withdrawal penalties applied if funds are withdrawn before age 59 1/2.
Heirs who qualify can make withdrawals over their life expectancies to ensure the investment grows tax-free for decades. Careful selection of beneficiaries, proper titling and an understanding of distribution rules can maximize the value of an inherited Roth account; an experienced tax planner is best equipped to guide them through this process.
Making Additional Contributions
An inherited Roth IRA provides an ideal way to take advantage of tax-advantaged compound growth over many decades, but its rules can be complex and any misstep can cost you dearly. Working with an expert on inherited IRAs will enable you to maximize the return from your windfall.
Based on your category, you have two withdrawal options available to you. Lifetime distributions or lump sum withdrawal may be appropriate depending on your financial needs; if none exist at this time. Be mindful that any earnings withdrawn prior to age 59 1/2 may incur a 10% early withdrawal penalty.
Life expectancy IRAs allow beneficiaries to take annual required minimum distributions (RMDs) based on their own life expectancies rather than those of the deceased owner, making this option particularly appropriate for beneficiaries who are older than the deceased such as surviving spouses or those falling into exception categories like chronically ill or disabled individuals.
Withdrawing Money
An inherited Roth IRA may tempt you to delay taking distributions, but doing so can come at a price. Withdrawals made prior to turning age 59 1/2 are typically subject to ordinary income tax rates as well as potentially incurring an early withdrawal penalty of 10%.
Beneficiary designations are an integral component of estate plans. Therefore, maintaining accurate beneficiary forms for an IRA is critical.
Spousal beneficiaries may wish to consider using a life expectancy calculation, also known as a stretch IRA, to take RMDs over their lifetime, according to McDermott. This option allows money to continue growing while you’re still alive while also helping avoid taxes that can otherwise accumulate quickly.
Non-spouse beneficiaries who inherit an IRA must withdraw funds within 10 years after its original owner dies; this 10-year rule applies both for Roth and traditional IRAs. With some exceptions such as surviving spouses, disabled or chronically ill beneficiaries or those no more than 10 years younger than the decedent.
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