Inherited an IRA, or Planning to Leave One? Start Here.

A significant portion of Americans’ retirement wealth will eventually transfer to a spouse or the next generation, and inherited IRAs can create complicated tax and distribution decisions for beneficiaries. 

Whether you’ve inherited an IRA from a parent, spouse or other loved one, or you’re an IRA owner planning to leave retirement assets to your family, the decisions you make can have important tax and financial consequences. Inherited IRA rules can be complicated, including the 10-year rule, required minimum distributions (RMDs), beneficiary designations, withdrawal options and potential taxes. The articles below explain these rules in plain language and helps beneficiaries understand what to do when they inherit an IRA, while also helping IRA owners consider how their retirement assets may eventually pass to the people they care about. A little planning today can make the process easier and potentially more tax-efficient for everyone involved. 

  1. Inherited IRAs: When Grief Meets Paperwork

  2. Inherited IRA Rules 2026 – The End of the “Wait and See” Era

  3. What are the Inherited IRA Rules for 2026?

  4. Do I Have to Take an RMD From My Inherited IRA Every Year?

  5. The Clock is Ticking: Navigating the Post-Waiver Inherited IRA 10-Year Rule

  6. Download the Inherited IRA Checklist

*Source: RBC Wealth Management Study