Insights + Resources

Inherited Accounts Under the CARES Act

Apr 29, 2020

Inherited IRA Under CARES ACT
How the CARES Act Impacts RMDs

Tucked into the gigantic “Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security” (“CARES”) Act were two key changes you should know about, regarding required minimum distributions (RMDs). Both were designed to give people more control over their money and to help manage selling investments during an emergency.1

One provision allows retirees to forego taking RMDs from Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA) or 401(k)-style plans this year.

The other provision allows people who have inherited 401(k)s, IRAs or Roth IRAs to suspend distributions in 2020 (while RMDs don’t apply to people with Roth IRAs, they do apply to investors who inherit Roth accounts).

Let’s take a look at a couple of examples.

  • Let’s say an account holder has been taking RMDs from an inherited account for a number of years using the life-expectancy method set by the Internal Revenue Service.  The account holder can forgo a distribution in 2020, and resume distributions in 2021.
  • Suppose an account owner passed away on January 1, 2020, and left the IRA to an adult child. The new 10-year rule would start in 2021. The beneficiary would have until the end of the 10th year to withdraw the entire account.2

Important Note: If you have already taken a distribution from an IRA or 401(k)-style plan this year, you may be able to roll the funds back into the plan. But if you have already taken a distribution from an inherited IRA, you may not be allowed to put that money back. Keep in mind, the CARES Act is a 335-page bill, and some of the provisions are open to interpretation. Please contact your tax or legal professional to understand how it might impact your situation.

Big picture, these rule changes are meant to help Americans who may be struggling with the economic, emotional, or physical toll of COVID-19. In a tough time, these provisions of the CARES Act gives account owners some flexibility that may provide some relief. As always, please reach out if you have questions, we would welcome the opportunity to serve you.

Tags: , , ,

More Insights

Mar 27, 2024

Investment inaction is played out in many ways, often silently, invisibly, and with potential consequence to an individual’s future financial security, especially when it comes to retirement planning. Let’s review some of the forms this takes.

Mar 25, 2024

Election season is in full swing as Super Tuesday solidifies another Biden and Trump rematch this November. President Biden won all 15 states and the Iowa caucuses, while former President Trump won in 14 of 15 states, prompting Nikki Haley to end her election bid.

Mar 22, 2024

Creating an estate plan is a key component of achieving financial wellness Most people don’t spend too much time thinking about end-of-life planning on a daily basis. But you may have loved ones who will soon face those issues. While it’s not pleasant to think about, you may be the one who ends up having … Continue reading “Eliminate the Guesswork in an Estate Plan”

Mar 20, 2024

When you marry or simply share a household with someone, your financial life changes—and your approach to managing your money may change as well. The good news is that it is usually not so difficult.

Mar 18, 2024

The year 1995 was an exciting one. Michael Jordan came back from retirement, digital video disks (DVDs) were invented, Netscape went public after introducing the world to the internet via its web browser, and Coolio’s “Gangsta’s Paradise” was the song of the year. It was also an exciting year for investors.

Insights + Resources >