Year End Planning: RMD Rules for IRAs & Inherited IRAs

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Dec 17, 2025

Dive into the complexities of inherited IRAs and how the SECURE Act reshaped the rules. Learn the distinctions between eligible and non-eligible beneficiaries and their tax implications. Discover the options available to surviving spouses and special considerations for minor children and disabled heirs. Get practical advice on using HSAs for health insurance and tips for creating more meaningful holiday conversations, including techniques to engage older relatives and enrich family stories.

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ADVICE

Identify Your Beneficiary Category

If you inherit an IRA, confirm whether you are an eligible or non-eligible designated beneficiary to know your options.
Use the flow chart Roger mentioned in The Noodle to follow the correct distribution rules and avoid IRS penalties.

ADVICE

Spouse Options: Roll Or Keep Inherited IRA

Surviving spouses can roll an inherited IRA into their own or keep it as an inherited IRA to access funds before age 59½.
Choose keeping an inherited IRA if you need penalty-free access before 59½; otherwise roll it into your own for simpler treatment.

ADVICE

10-Year Rule For Non-Eligible Beneficiaries

Non-eligible beneficiaries (adult children, grandchildren, others) generally must empty inherited IRAs within 10 years of the owner's death.
Plan withdrawals across those 10 years to manage taxable income and avoid a large tax hit in year ten.

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In this episode, Roger Whitney walks listeners through the complexities of inherited IRAs, highlighting the impact of the SECURE Act of 2019 and clarifying the distinctions between eligible and non-eligible designated beneficiaries. He explains how these classifications affect withdrawals and tax planning, making the rules easy to understand. Roger also answers listener questions on topics like retirement team selection and funding health insurance with HSA accounts. Beyond the numbers, he shares practical strategies for creating more meaningful holiday conversations, drawing on real-life examples to show how curiosity and intentionality can help you connect more deeply with the people you care about.

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN

(00:00) This show is dedicated to helping you rock retirement.
(00:30) In today’s episode, Roger Whitney covers the rules around inherited IRAs, explores ways to foster deeper and more meaningful conversations during the holidays and beyond, and answers listener questions.

RETIREMENT TOOLKIT

(01:00) Today in the Retirement Toolkit we're going to talk about the rules around inherited IRAs.
(02:40) Differences between eligible and non-eligible designated beneficiaries for inherited IRAs are explained.
(14:32) Roger talks about ROTH IRAs and how they work.

RETIREMENT LIFE LAB

(16:04) Roger explains how approaching conversations with curiosity and intentionality, especially with older family members or those with different interests, can create more meaningful and enriching interactions.

LISTENER QUESTIONS

(25:37) Ira asks what to ask a financial advisor’s team to understand their retirement planning services and team longevity.
(37:02) Mary Jane asks if she can use Health Savings Account funds tax-free to pay for private health insurance premiums before Medicare eligibility.

SMART SPRINT

(38:42) In the next week, approach holiday or New Year’s gatherings with curiosity by asking questions and engaging with people you don’t see often to create more meaningful interactions.

REFERENCES