Minimum distribution - inherited IRA

My husband died in 2010 at age 74. He had been taking annual distributions, using the fractional divisor from a table provided by the custodian.

I am under age 70 1/2, was sole beneficiary. The funds from his two accounts are now in 2 new accounts, both in my name, separate from funds in my own IRA.

What minimum distribution rules apply to me for 2011?

Thanks in advance.

Reply to
A R Pickett
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An RMD for 2010 had to be made, based on 12/31/09 balance. If that wasn't taken in 2010, it should have been.

If the accounts were moved to your name, not 'beneficiary account', they are yours, no RMD as you are not 70-1/2. The funds do not need to be kept separately any longer.

(I am sorry for your loss)

Joe

Reply to
JoeTaxpayer

Thanks, Joe. He did take a distribution in 2010, and it exceeded the computed amount based on the 09 year end balance by about $500. The accounts in my name are "beneficiary" accounts.

A R Pickett

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Reply to
A R Pickett

If you leave them that way your 2011 required distribution is based on your age in 2011 and the 12/31/2010 balance. If you're over 59 1/2 moving them into your name would eliminate required distributions until you reach 70 1/2 while having the ability to take what you want without penalty.

See IRS Publication 590

Phil Marti VITA/TCE Volunteer Clarksburg, MD

Reply to
Phil Marti

Exactly right. A "beneficiary", regardless of age, must start to take an RMD the year after death of the account holder. However, the rules allow for a spouse to put the funds in her own name and avoid till she turns 70-1/2.

I'm sure there are reasons to keep as beneficiary in certain situations. e.g. - if the surviving spouse has post tax IRA money and wishes to start on a conversion plan to Roth IRA, keeping the account as beneficiary also keeps the numbers out of the equation when determining the percent of conversion that's taxable.

Joe

Reply to
JoeTaxpayer

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