You’ve inherited an IRA or other type of retirement account from a spouse or parent – now what?

You may have a lot of questions after inheriting an IRA, 401(k) or other type of retirement account from a spouse, parent, friend or relative. Our guide can help walk you through your options depending on your relationship to the account owner.

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Note: This guide is updated to reflect the changes to inherited retirement accounts following the passing of the SECURE Act. The Act eliminates the ‘Stretch IRA’ for non-spouse beneficiaries starting in 2020.

Inherited IRA

The inherited IRA guide will discuss:

  • Inheriting an IRA from a parent, relative, or non-spouse
  • Inheriting an IRA from a spouse
  • Your options for the account after inheriting an IRA, including if you can move the account to another financial institution
  • Distribution rules for spouses and non-spouses including updated required minimum distribution (RMD) rules for non-spouses
  • Taxed on an inherited IRA, Roth IRA, or other types of retirement account
  • When a trust is the beneficiary of an IRA
  • Estate tax questions
Download the Inherited IRA Guide

Resources to help you make major financial decisions after receiving an inheritance

Our team of financial advisors can help you:

  • Develop a financial plan to help you determine the best use for your inheritance and evaluate difficult decisions such as whether to hold or liquidate inherited real estate assets or securities
  • Understand how a windfall may change your goals and current savings strategy
  • Develop an investment management strategy for inherited cash or assets
  • Diversify a concentrated stock position or other assets
  • Explore “what-if” scenarios for ways the inheritance or windfall proceeds could be invested
  • Prioritize financial goals and develop a strategy for the best use(s) of the cash (e.g. reduce debt, invest for retirement, fully fund college goals)
  • Determine whether the inheritance is taxable and coordinate with your CPA to ensure an adequate amount is put aside to cover the taxes due
  • Explore the possible benefits of setting up a trust with your estate planning attorney

If you’re wondering what to do with an inheritance or windfall, remember there is no one “right” answer. Our role is to help you understand your options and develop a strategy that makes the most sense for you and your objectives. To learn more, please contact us today.