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Retirement / Decumulation, Estate Planning, Assets and Investment Planning

Should I Inherit My Deceased Spouse’s Traditional IRA?

Updated 12/1/2023

**This guide has been updated to incorporate new changes made by The SECURE Act 2.0 that are effective for the 2024 year. Any SECURE Act 2.0 changes that are effective for 2025 will be incorporated into this guide at the start of the 2025 year.

There are a few options a client can consider when they inherit an IRA from their spouse. The best option for your client will depend upon a variety of factors, and the relevant rules and decision points can be confusing.

To help make the analysis easier, we have created the “Should I Inherit My Deceased Spouse’s Traditional IRA?” flowchart. It addresses common issues that arise when a client inherits a traditional IRA from a spouse:

  • Inheriting the IRA vs. rolling the IRA into the client’s own traditional IRA
  • 10-Year Rule vs. Life Expectancy Rule
  • RMD calculations
  • Considerations based on age and income needs
Related Guides
What Issues Should I Consider Before I Retire?
Category: Retirement / Decumulation, General, Life Events
Can I Delay Distributions From The Traditional IRA I Inherited?
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Can I Avoid Taking My RMD After Reaching My Required Beginning Date (RBD)?
Category: Retirement / Decumulation, Tax Planning, Assets and Investment Planning, Life Events
Will A Distribution From My Roth IRA Be Tax And Penalty-Free?
Category: Retirement / Decumulation, Tax Planning, Assets and Investment Planning
Will A Distribution From My Traditional IRA Be Penalty-Free?
Category: Retirement / Decumulation, Tax Planning, Assets and Investment Planning
Will The Distribution From My HSA Be Tax And Penalty-Free?
Category: Retirement / Decumulation, Assets and Investment Planning

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