Inherited IRA RMD Calculator
Calculate Required Minimum Distributions for inherited IRAs under SECURE Act rules. Understand your options based on your beneficiary status.
Account Owner Details
Died after Required Beginning Date (RBD)
Beneficiary Information
Assumptions
Your Distribution Rule
Under SECURE Act, the account must be emptied by year 10. Since the owner died after their Required Beginning Date (RBD), annual RMDs are required in years 1-9.
Estimated Tax Impact
Distribution Schedule (10 Years)
| Year | Balance | RMD | Tax Est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 (Age 50) | $500,000 | $15,060 | $3,313 |
| 2027 (Age 51) | $509,187 | $15,813 | $3,479 |
| 2028 (Age 52) | $518,042 | $16,604 | $3,653 |
| 2029 (Age 53) | $526,510 | $17,434 | $3,836 |
| 2030 (Age 54) | $534,530 | $18,306 | $4,027 |
| 2031 (Age 55) | $542,035 | $19,221 | $4,229 |
| 2032 (Age 56) | $548,955 | $548,955 | $120,770 |
* Assumes 5% annual growth. Actual results will vary.
10-Year Rule Strategy Tips
- - Consider spreading distributions to manage tax brackets
- - Front-load distributions in lower-income years
- - Coordinate with other income (retirement, Social Security)
- - Don't wait until year 10 - could face huge tax bill
Preserve Your Inherited Wealth
If you're inheriting a traditional IRA, consider rolling eligible portions into a Gold IRA for long-term wealth preservation across generations.
With required distributions forcing taxable withdrawals, gold's inflation hedge can help protect the purchasing power of your remaining balance.
Physical gold in an IRA can be part of your own estate plan, potentially passing real assets to your beneficiaries.
Consider rolling inherited IRA assets to a Gold IRA for long-term wealth preservation. Our specialists can explain your options.
Inherited IRA Rules You Need to Know
10-Year Rule (SECURE Act)
Most non-spouse beneficiaries must empty inherited IRAs within 10 years of the original owner's death. Annual RMDs may be required if owner died after RBD.
Spouse Special Options
Surviving spouses can do a rollover to their own IRA, keep it as inherited, or disclaim. Each option has different RMD and tax implications.
Eligible Designated Beneficiaries
Minor children, disabled individuals, chronically ill, or those not more than 10 years younger can still use life expectancy stretch.
Pre-2020 Deaths
If the original owner died before January 1, 2020, the old stretch rules may still apply, allowing RMDs over your life expectancy.
Beneficiary Categories Explained
Eligible Designated Beneficiaries (EDBs)
These beneficiaries can still use the "stretch" method based on life expectancy:
- Surviving Spouse: Most flexible options including rollover
- Minor Children: Until age of majority (then 10-year rule kicks in)
- Disabled Individuals: As defined by IRS code section 72(m)(7)
- Chronically Ill: Unable to perform daily living activities
- Not More Than 10 Years Younger: Siblings, friends, etc. close in age
Designated Beneficiaries (10-Year Rule)
Most non-spouse individual beneficiaries fall into this category:
- Adult children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews
- Friends or non-family members named as beneficiary
- Must empty account by December 31 of 10th year after death
- If owner died after RBD, annual RMDs are REQUIRED in years 1-9
Non-Designated Beneficiaries (5-Year Rule)
Entities that are not individuals:
- Estates named as beneficiary
- Charities and non-profit organizations
- Non-qualifying trusts
- Must distribute entire account within 5 years
Inherited IRA FAQ
What is the 10-year rule for inherited IRAs?▼
The SECURE Act requires most non-spouse beneficiaries who inherit an IRA after 2019 to completely empty the account within 10 years of the original owner's death. If the owner died after their Required Beginning Date (RBD), annual RMDs are also required during those 10 years.
Do I have to take annual RMDs from an inherited IRA?▼
It depends. If the original owner died after their RBD (age 73+ under SECURE 2.0), annual RMDs are required. If they died before their RBD, you only need to empty the account by year 10.
What are my options as a spouse inheriting an IRA?▼
Surviving spouses have the most flexibility: 1) Roll into your own IRA, 2) Keep as inherited IRA, 3) Disclaim, or 4) Take lump sum. Each option has different RMD rules and tax implications.
Can I roll an inherited IRA into a Gold IRA?▼
Surviving spouses who do a spousal rollover can convert to a Gold IRA since it becomes their own IRA. Non-spouse beneficiaries can transfer to a custodian offering precious metals within an inherited IRA structure.
What happens if I miss an inherited IRA RMD?▼
The penalty is 25% of the amount that should have been withdrawn (reduced from 50% by SECURE 2.0). If corrected within 2 years, the penalty drops to 10%. File Form 5329 to request a waiver for reasonable cause.
Important Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates based on SECURE Act and SECURE 2.0 rules. Inherited IRA rules are complex and depend on many factors including the date of death, beneficiary relationship, and whether the owner had started RMDs. IRS regulations continue to evolve. Please consult a qualified tax professional or estate attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Need Help with Your Inherited IRA?
Our specialists can help you understand your distribution options and explore whether a Gold IRA makes sense for preserving inherited wealth.