Updating Our Beneficiary RMD Cheat Sheet
In the May 8, 2024, Slott Report, we published a “cheat sheet” summarizing the confusing SECURE Act rules for beneficiary IRA (and company plan account) required minimum distributions (RMDs).
Eligible Designated Beneficiary
Who Must Take a 2024 RMD?
The holidays are upon us. There is shopping to do, gifts to wrap, and parties to attend. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the season, you may be forgiven if your retirement account is not at the top of your mind. However, for some retirement account owners and beneficiaries, a very important deadline is looming. December 31 is the deadline to take 2024 required minimum distributions (RMDs) for many individuals.
So Many IRA Beneficiary Variables!
When an IRA owner dies, what is the payout schedule for the beneficiary? The key to distinguishing the correct program (i.e., 10-year rule, stretch RMDs, 5-year rule, etc.) is to identify all the important variables. But there are so many! Nevertheless, each detail must be considered. Every scenario requires that we navigate through a mental flow chart. The correct answer lies at the end of every beneficiary maze.
INHERITED ROTH IRAs AND TRUST BENEFICIARY PAYOUTS: TODAY’S SLOTT REPORT MAILBAG
Question:For a non-spousal inherited roth IRA account, there seems to be contradictory advice on different websites about when to take distributions. Some say there are annual required minimum distributions (RMDs) within the 10 years; others say you can wait until the 10th year for a lump sum. If you can wait and don't need the money, wouldn't it be wiser to wait until the last year since the money compounds tax free and the final lump sum distribution would also be tax-free?
The Zombie Rule
This article is NOT about the “ghost rule” applicable to non-living beneficiaries. That payout rule applies when a non-person beneficiary (like an estate) inherits an IRA when the original owner died on or after his required beginning date (RBD).
Eligible Designated Beneficiaries and Disclaimers: Today’s Slott Report Mailbag
Question:When an IRA owner dies after their required beginning date, can an eligible designated beneficiary choose either the life expectancy option or the 10-year payout rule?
IRS Final Regulations Loosen Definition of “Eligible Designated Beneficiary”
One of the positive outcomes of the new IRS final SECURE Act regulations on required minimum distributions (RMDs), released on July 18, is that more beneficiaries will be able to stretch RMDs over their lifetime.
Inherited IRAs and Net Unrealized Appreciation: Today’s Slott Report Mailbag
QUESTION:I inherited both a traditional and a Roth IRA from my significant other (non-spouse) who passed away in 2021. He had started taking required minimum distributions (RMDs). I am less than 10 years younger than he was. Question is: do I or do I not have to empty both accounts within 10 years of his death? No one is giving me an answer one way or another.
Inherited Roth IRAs and Qualified Charitable Distributions: Today’s Slott Report Mailbag
QUESTION:Do required minimum distributions (RMDs) need to be taken when a non-spouse beneficiary inherits Roth IRA? It seems this has been a point of confusion for some time.
A Cheat Sheet for IRA Beneficiary RMDs
It’s been over four years since the SECURE Act upended the rules for beneficiary IRA required minimum distributions (RMDs), and there’s still plenty of confusion about the new rules. The IRS did give us proposed SECURE Act regulations in February 2022, but those rules still haven’t been finalized. They have also raised a lot of new questions.
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