
If you're inheriting an IRA from a sibling, you'll need to follow some specific rules to split the assets fairly.
You can split the inherited IRA between multiple siblings, but each sibling must have their own beneficiary designation form.
Each sibling will receive their share of the IRA assets, but they'll still be responsible for taking the required minimum distributions (RMDs) based on their own life expectancy.
The IRS allows you to split the inherited IRA into separate accounts for each beneficiary, making it easier to manage the assets.
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Splitting an Inherited IRA
Splitting an inherited IRA can be a straightforward process, but it's essential to understand the rules and options available. The first step is to determine who the beneficiaries are, and if none exist, the IRA will have to go through probate to have local courts determine the distribution.
The IRS rules for splitting an inherited IRA are relatively simple: the assets must be distributed in accordance with the decedent's stated wishes on the actual account. However, there are rules regarding minimum distributions that are required of inherited IRAs, including among siblings.
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To split an inherited IRA, you'll need to set up individual beneficiary IRAs for each sibling, and the transfers must occur no later than December 31 of the year in which the IRA is inherited. For multiple joint beneficiaries, the decision to split the IRA into separate inherited IRAs must be made by December 31 of the year following the original account holder's death.
Here are the key dates to keep in mind:
- The decision to split the IRA into separate inherited IRAs must be made by December 31 of the year following the original account holder's death.
- The transfers to individual beneficiary IRAs must occur no later than December 31 of the year in which the IRA is inherited.
The SECURE Act introduced new rules for eligible designated beneficiaries, including spouses, minor children, and individuals who are disabled or chronically ill. These beneficiaries receive certain advantages over other types of beneficiaries, such as the ability to delay and limit the taxes paid on the account.
If you're a non-spouse eligible designated beneficiary and a non-eligible designated beneficiary jointly inherit an IRA, splitting the funds into separate Inherited IRAs will likely be advantageous. However, if two or more adult children jointly inherit an IRA, the benefits of splitting the accounts will be limited since the account must be depleted within 10 years.
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Managing an Inherited IRA

Managing an inherited IRA can be a complex process, especially when it comes to splitting it between siblings. You'll need to work with a financial and/or tax advisor to ensure you follow the correct procedure and avoid any severe ramifications.
The IRS has specific rules for splitting an inherited IRA, and it's essential to understand them to avoid any issues. The assets must be distributed in accordance with the decedent's stated wishes on the actual account.
To split an inherited IRA, you'll need documentation on the account showing who the beneficiaries are. If none exist, the IRA will have to go through probate to have local courts determine the appropriate distribution.
You and your siblings will need to set up individual beneficiary IRAs to receive the split proceeds of the original account. Money will be distributed in accordance with the beneficiary designations on the original account or the instructions of the probate court.
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If you're splitting an inherited IRA, the transfers to individual beneficiary IRAs must occur no later than December 31 of the year in which the IRA is inherited. This deadline is crucial to avoid any penalties or issues.
As a minor inheriting an IRA, you're considered an eligible designated beneficiary. You have two options: receive RMDs until you reach the age of majority, allowing the assets in the IRA to grow income tax-free; or receive distributions for the next 10 years after the account holder's death.
If you're in a different tax bracket than your siblings, it's a good idea to create separate inherited IRAs for each sibling to minimize tax implications. Any withdrawal or amount distributed and received from the IRA is taxed as regular income tax.
Keep in mind that if you don't need the money immediately, you can keep the assets in the inherited IRA for it to grow income tax-free. Your RMD will be computed based on your attaining the age of majority, after which all the assets in the IRA have to be distributed within the next 10 years.
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Rules for Splitting

Splitting an inherited IRA among siblings can be a bit complex, but understanding the rules can make the process smoother. The IRS rules for splitting inherited IRAs are straightforward: the assets must be distributed in accordance with the decedent's stated wishes on the actual account.
The actual process of splitting an inherited IRA is fairly straightforward. You and your siblings will need documentation on the account showing who the beneficiaries are, and if none exist, the IRA will have to go through probate. Most IRA companies require account holders to designate beneficiaries at the time they open the account, so this is the likely path.
To split the IRA, you'll need to set up individual beneficiary IRAs, and the transfers to these IRAs must occur no later than Dec. 31 of the year in which the IRA is inherited. This allows you and your siblings to receive the split proceeds of the original account.
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Here are the key rules to keep in mind:
- Eligible designated beneficiaries, such as spouses and minor children, can disregard the 10-year rule and follow the more preferred inherited IRA rules.
- When there are multiple beneficiaries, the person who is the oldest will be used to determine the minimum required distribution amount.
- The 10-year rule applies to non-eligible beneficiaries, requiring them to withdraw the entire amount within 10 years.
This means you'll need to plan carefully to ensure you and your siblings are in agreement on how to split the inherited IRA and follow the IRS rules to avoid any complications or penalties.
5 Year and 10 Year IRA Distribution Rules
The 5 Year and 10 Year IRA Distribution Rules are crucial to understand when it comes to splitting inherited IRAs. Before the SECURE Act, beneficiaries had two options: deplete the account within 5 years or receive RMDs for their lifetime.
The 5-year rule was a common choice, but it's no longer an option for non-eligible beneficiaries. Under the current law, these beneficiaries must withdraw all funds within 10 years. This rule applies to adult siblings who jointly inherit an IRA.
The 10-year rule is less advantageous for splitting funds, but you can still choose to do so within the first year of your parent's death if you prefer. This is because minor children are considered eligible designated beneficiaries, but they're subject to the 10-year rule once they turn 18.
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Here's a quick summary of the rules:
Keep in mind that the SECURE Act changed the rules, so it's essential to understand the new requirements to make informed decisions about your inherited IRAs.
Rules for Splitting
Splitting an inherited IRA can be a complex process, but understanding the rules can help you navigate it smoothly. The IRS has specific guidelines for splitting IRAs, and it's essential to follow them to avoid any issues.
The SECURE Act, enacted in 2020, introduced new rules for inherited IRAs. For eligible designated beneficiaries, such as a spouse, minor child, or disabled person, the rules are more favorable. They can choose to receive Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) for their lifetime, delaying and limiting the taxes on the account.
If you're a non-eligible designated beneficiary, you'll need to follow the 10-year rule, which requires you to withdraw the entire amount within 10 years. This rule applies to beneficiaries who are not spouses, minor children, or disabled individuals.

If you're splitting an IRA with your siblings, it's crucial to consider the tax implications. As a minor, you'll be considered an eligible designated beneficiary and can choose to receive RMDs until you reach the age of majority or receive distributions for the next 10 years.
Here's a summary of the rules for splitting IRAs:
Remember, it's essential to work with a financial and/or tax advisor when splitting an inherited IRA to ensure you follow the correct procedure and avoid any severe ramifications.
When Siblings Inherit IRA
Inheriting an IRA can be a complex process, especially when it comes to splitting the assets among siblings. If you're the beneficiary of an IRA, you have the power to decide how the assets are distributed, and you can even split the IRA among your siblings to avoid any potential disputes.
According to the IRS, there are three types of non-spouse beneficiary options, including eligible designated beneficiaries, designated beneficiaries, and beneficiaries that are not individuals, such as a trust. As a minor beneficiary, you're considered an eligible designated beneficiary and have the option to receive RMDs until you reach the age of majority or receive distributions for the next 10 years.
Additional reading: Successor Beneficiary of Inherited Ira Rmd

If you're inheriting an IRA with your siblings, you can split the funds into separate inherited IRAs by December 31 of the year following the original account holder's death. However, if you're adult siblings, the benefits of splitting the accounts may be limited, especially under the 10-year rule, which requires you to withdraw all funds within 10 years.
Here are the options for minor beneficiaries:
- Receive RMDs until you reach age of majority, allowing the assets in the IRA to grow income tax-free.
- Receive distributions for the next 10 years after the account holder’s death.
Designated Beneficiaries
When siblings inherit an IRA, they are considered designated beneficiaries. They will have to follow the 10-year rule, meaning the money must be withdrawn in full within 10 years. This rule applies to all designated beneficiaries, regardless of their age or relationship to the original account owner.
As a designated beneficiary, you are still responsible for required minimum distributions annually. You can't keep all of the money in the inherited IRA and then take it all out at the last minute in the 10th year. This is on top of the 10-year mandate to completely empty the account.

If you're a minor inheriting an IRA, you are considered an eligible designated beneficiary. This means you have options for receiving the inherited IRA, including taking withdrawals or receiving distributions for the next 10 years after the account holder's death. You can also choose to receive RMDs until you reach the age of majority, allowing the assets in the IRA to grow income tax-free.
Here are the options for receiving an inherited IRA as a minor:
- Receive RMDs until you reach age of majority, allowing the assets in the IRA to grow income tax-free
- Receive distributions for the next 10 years after the account holder’s death
Spouses and minor children are considered eligible designated beneficiaries, and they receive certain advantages over other types of beneficiaries. They can choose to receive RMDs for their lifetime, delaying and limiting the taxes that must be paid on the account.
Splitting an Inherited IRA Between Siblings
Splitting an inherited IRA between siblings can be a complex process, but it's often the best choice to avoid dissension among siblings about the inheritance. Beneficiaries are the only ones who can "order" an IRA to be split among siblings, and this decision should be made by December 31 of the year following the original account holder's death.

To split an inherited IRA, you'll need documentation on the account showing who the beneficiaries are. If none exist, the IRA will have to go through probate, but most IRA companies require account holders to designate beneficiaries at the time they open the account.
You and your siblings will need to set up individual beneficiary IRAs to receive the split proceeds of the original account. Money will be distributed in accordance with the beneficiary designations on the original account or the instructions of the probate court. Transfers to individual beneficiary IRAs must occur no later than December 31 of the year in which the IRA is inherited.
For multiple joint beneficiaries, you need to make the decision to separate the inherited IRA by December 31 of the year following the original account holder's death. For example, if the original account holder died on April 2020, the decision to split the IRA into several inherited IRAs should be made and done by December 31, 2021.
Here are the key dates to keep in mind:
- December 31 of the year following the original account holder's death: Decision to separate the inherited IRA must be made
- December 31 of the year in which the IRA is inherited: Transfers to individual beneficiary IRAs must occur
Splitting an inherited IRA can be advantageous for spouses and eligible designated beneficiaries, but it's not always the best option for adult siblings. If you're unsure about how to split an inherited IRA, it's best to work with a financial and/or tax advisor to ensure you're following the correct procedure and taking advantage of any available tax benefits.
Discover more: Inherited Ira Tax Strategies
Sources
- https://www.aol.com/inherited-ira-split-between-siblings-190021712.html
- https://nyestateslawyer.com/inherited-ira-split-between-siblings-how-does-it-work/
- https://rmolawyers.com/blog/how-do-you-split-an-inherited-ira-between-siblings/
- https://www.frankelrubin.com/is-it-possible-to-split-an-ira/
- https://trustandwill.com/learn/how-to-split-an-inherited-ira
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