Inherited IRA RMD Calculator
Inherited an IRA? The rules changed significantly with SECURE 2.0. Understand your distribution obligations and plan for the tax impact.
About this tool
Inherited IRA rules are among the most complex in tax law. The SECURE Act (2020) introduced the 10-year rule for most non-spouse beneficiaries. This calculator projects the standard Uniform Lifetime RMD calculation as a baseline — consult a tax advisor for inherited IRA specifics.
How to use it
Quick steps to get the most out of this utility.
- 1
Enter inherited balance
Current balance of the inherited account.
- 2
Select your situation
Spouse beneficiary rules differ from non-spouse.
- 3
Set tax assumptions
Your marginal rate — inherited IRA distributions are ordinary income.
- 4
Plan your withdrawals
See distribution amounts and tax impact year by year.
Inherited IRA Rules Have Changed Significantly
The SECURE Act of 2020 eliminated the "stretch IRA" strategy for most beneficiaries, replacing it with the 10-year rule. The IRS has issued multiple pieces of guidance since then, some of which waived penalties for missed distributions in 2021-2024. If you inherited an IRA, professional tax advice is not optional — the stakes are high and the rules are still being clarified.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 10-year rule for inherited IRAs?+
Under SECURE Act (2020), most non-spouse beneficiaries who inherited an IRA after 2019 must empty the account within 10 years of the original owner's death. IRS guidance (2023) suggests annual RMDs may be required in years 1-9 for certain beneficiaries — this remains an evolving area. Consult a tax professional.
Do spouses have different inherited IRA rules?+
Yes — surviving spouses can treat an inherited IRA as their own, roll it into their own IRA, or use spouse-specific distribution rules. This gives spouses much more flexibility than other beneficiaries, including the ability to delay RMDs until their own RMD start date.
Keep exploring
More utilities and reading from Toolisk.
More views of the same calculator
Open main calculator →Same underlying engine, written for different use cases. Pick the angle that matches your situation.