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Beneficiary IRA Rules: How to Avoid Expensive IRS Mistakes

The essential guide for heirs who’ve inherited an IRA, and the tax traps to avoid.

2 MIN READ
November 13, 2025

Inherited IRAs can be a gift, or a tax problem

When you inherit a retirement account, the IRS expects you to follow very specific rules. Failing to follow them can lead to:

  • Large unexpected tax bills
  • Penalties for missed distributions
  • Required full liquidation within 10 years

A Beneficiary IRA is one of the most misunderstood assets heirs receive. But with a clear plan, you can dramatically reduce taxes.

The inheritance IRA basics

There are two types of inherited IRAs:

1. Traditional Inherited IRA

Withdrawals = fully taxable as income.

2. Roth Inherited IRA

Withdrawals = often tax-free, but still subject to distribution timing rules.

The 10-year rule

Most non-spouse heirs must empty the account within 10 years of the original owner’s death.

This rule applies to:

  • Adult children
  • Grandchildren
  • Friends
  • Most non-spouse beneficiaries

There’s no required yearly withdrawal amount - but the account must be $0 by the end of year 10.

Spouses, disabled heirs, and minors have special rules.

How to minimize taxes on an inherited IRA

1. Spread withdrawals over multiple years

Avoid draining the account in one year - that spikes your tax bracket.

2. Coordinate withdrawals with your income

Ideal times to take larger withdrawals:

  • Sabbatical years
  • Low-income years
  • Early retirement
  • Years with large tax deductions
3. Don’t ignore Roth IRAs

Roth IRAs still follow the 10-year rule, but withdrawals are usually tax-free.
Strategy: withdraw Roth last unless otherwise advised.

4. Avoid the 50% penalty

Missing a required distribution (for certain beneficiaries) can trigger a massive penalty.

Common inherited IRA mistakes

  • Waiting until year 10 and withdrawing everything at once
  • Not understanding your beneficiary classification
  • Taking no distributions for years 1–9
  • Transferring incorrectly (must be trustee-to-trustee)
  • Mixing inherited IRAs with your own IRA

Quick Answers: Beneficiary IRA Questions

“Can I convert an inherited IRA to a Roth?”
Generally no, except for spousal beneficiaries.

“Can I contribute to an inherited IRA?”
No. You can’t add new money.

“Does the 10-year rule apply to inherited Roth IRAs?”
Yes, but withdrawals are usually tax-free.

“What happens if I miss a required distribution?”
You may face a penalty, but the IRS can waive it if corrected quickly.

Can Titan help with inherited IRA strategy?

Absolutely. Titan advisors help beneficiaries:

  • Build multi-year withdrawal plans
  • Reduce long-term tax impact
  • Coordinate distributions with income planning
  • Avoid IRS penalties and rule mistakes

Inherited an IRA?
Talk to a Titan advisor to build a tax-efficient plan.

About Titan

Titan is a modern Registered Investment Advisor helping high-earning families and professionals navigate complex wealth decisions - including inherited assets.

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