You've inherited an IRA, and now you're dealing with Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). The IRS has a table to help you figure out how much you need to take out each year.
The IRS updates the RMD table annually, and for 2023, the table is based on your age and the type of account you inherited.
If you inherited an IRA from a spouse, you can use the Uniform Lifetime Table, which is a simpler table with fewer calculations.
The Uniform Lifetime Table assumes you'll live a certain number of years, and it's used to calculate your RMDs for the first five years after the account owner's death.
Inherited IRA RMD Table 2023
If the original IRA owner had already begun taking RMDs, their designated beneficiary will need to take an RMD for the year of the owner's death and for each of the following 8 years.
The 10-year rule applies to designated beneficiaries, requiring them to liquidate the account by the end of the 10th year following the year of the IRA owner's death.
There are exceptions for certain eligible designated beneficiaries, including the IRA owner's spouse, minor child, and individuals not more than 10 years younger than the IRA owner.
Here is a breakdown of the rules for inherited IRA RMDs:
A non-designated beneficiary, such as an estate or charity, would generally be subject to the 5-year rule if the account owner died before they were required to begin taking RMDs.
RMD Rules and Exceptions
The RMD rules can be complex, but let's break down some key exceptions.
You can delay taking RMDs on inherited IRAs if you are the beneficiary of a spouse who had a traditional IRA, and you are the sole beneficiary.
If you are not the spouse, but the beneficiary of a traditional IRA, you typically must take RMDs by December 31 of the year after the IRA owner's death.
Some inherited IRAs may be exempt from RMDs, such as those inherited from a parent, but this exemption is subject to certain conditions.
Five-Year Rule
The five-year rule is a distribution option for inherited IRA assets. Any individual beneficiary can elect to take distributions over a five-year period following the owner's death.
The distribution must be completed by the end of the year containing the fifth anniversary of the owner's death. This is a strict deadline that cannot be missed.
Individual beneficiaries have the flexibility to choose how they take their distributions, but the five-year rule provides a clear and straightforward option.
Roth IRAs
Roth IRAs are a type of retirement account that offers tax-free growth and withdrawals. One key benefit of Roth IRAs is that owners don't need to take Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) during their lifetimes.
Roth IRA owners can keep their money in the account for as long as they want, without having to take a distribution each year. This can be especially helpful for those who don't need the money in retirement.
However, beneficiaries who inherit a Roth IRA may have an annual RMD obligation. The amount they need to take out can vary based on factors such as the final age of the original IRA owner and the number of beneficiaries.
RMD Questions
You might have some questions about Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), and that's totally normal. The good news is that we've got answers to some of the most common ones.
What is an RMD, and why do I have to take one? An RMD is a withdrawal from a retirement account, such as a 401(k) or IRA, that you must take each year starting at age 72.
Can I avoid taking an RMD if I don't need the money? Unfortunately, no, you can't avoid taking an RMD just because you don't need the money. The IRS requires you to take the distribution, even if you're still working and have other sources of income.
How do I calculate my RMD? You can calculate your RMD using a formula that takes into account your account balance and your life expectancy. The IRS provides a worksheet to help you do this.
Can I take my RMD in a lump sum? Yes, you can take your RMD in a lump sum, but you might want to consider spreading it out over the year to reduce your tax liability.
Do I have to take my RMD from the same account every year? No, you don't have to take your RMD from the same account every year. You can take it from multiple accounts, but you'll need to calculate the RMD for each account separately.
RMD Calculations and Notifications
Calculating Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) can be a complex process, but it's essential to ensure you're taking the right amount of money from your inherited IRA each year.
The IRS provides a table to help calculate RMDs, which is based on your account balance and your age.
For example, if you're 72 years old and your inherited IRA account balance is $100,000, you would need to take an RMD of $3,916.
The RMD calculation is typically made by dividing the account balance by a distribution period from the IRS table.
The distribution period is determined by your age and the age of the original account owner.
You can find the distribution period in the IRS table, which is based on the Uniform Lifetime Table.
For inherited IRAs, the RMD is typically taken by December 31st of each year.
You'll receive a notice from the IRA custodian by January 31st of each year, stating the RMD amount for the previous year.
This notice will also include any penalties or taxes owed due to non-compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which life expectancy table to use for inherited IRA?
For inherited IRA purposes, the Single Life Table is used to determine the deceased owner's initial life expectancy. This table is based on the age they would be on December 31 of the year they passed away.
How do I calculate my life expectancy for an inherited IRA?
To calculate your life expectancy for an inherited IRA, use the IRS Single Life Expectancy table value based on the beneficiary's age as of December 31st of the year following the owner's death. Subtract one year for each year that has passed from the original life expectancy to determine future distribution periods.
How long will my inherited IRA last?
Your inherited IRA must be emptied within 10 years of the original owner's death, with the distribution period starting the year after their passing. This 10-year deadline applies to IRAs inherited since 2020.
How is RMD calculated for inherited IRA?
For inherited IRAs, RMDs are calculated using the longer of the beneficiary's or original account owner's single life expectancy, which is determined annually for the first 9 years after the original depositor's passing. This calculation helps determine the required minimum distribution amount each year.
Sources
- https://help.rightcapital.com/article/Required-minimum-distributions
- https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/retirement-topics-required-minimum-distributions-rmds
- https://www.aarp.org/retirement/required-minimum-distribution-calculator/
- https://investor.vanguard.com/investor-resources-education/retirement/rmd-rules-for-inherited-iras
- https://www.ameriprise.com/customer-service/required-minimum-distribution-faqs
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