My Spouse Just Passed – Should I Treat Their Retirement Accounts as Inherited, or My Own?
- Joseph Browning
- 19 hours ago
- 3 min read
Losing a spouse is overwhelming, and financial decisions often feel like a maze during such a difficult time. A common question we hear is: “If my spouse had retirement accounts, should I keep them as inherited, or treat them as my own?”
This choice matters because it affects taxes, withdrawal flexibility, and long-term planning.
Let’s break it down.
Why This Decision Matters
Treat the account as inherited
Keep it titled as an inherited IRA/Roth IRA under your spouse’s name.
Different withdrawal and required minimum distribution (RMD) rules apply
Treat the account as your own
Roll it into your existing IRA/Roth IRA.
Standard owner rules apply.
Both paths have pros and cons. Here are the key factors that influence the decision.
Factors to Consider
Your Age
Inherited IRA: Choosing to keep the account as an inherited IRA eliminates the 10% early withdrawal penalty, regardless of your age. Withdrawals from an inherited Roth IRA are generally tax-free, with one exception: if the original Roth IRA was opened less than five years ago, any earnings withdrawn may be taxable.
Treat as your own: If you elect to treat the account as your own, it becomes subject to the rules that apply to you as the owner. This means your age and circumstances determine the requirements—such as the 59½ 10% early withdrawal penalty.
Spouse’s Age at Passing
Inherited IRA: If your spouse died before their Required Beginning Date (RBD) for RMDs (currently age 73), the spouse inheriting the account may delay RMDs until the year the deceased spouse would have reached RBD. If your spouse died after their RBD, then you would continue taking RMDs based their schedule or your life expectancy.
Treat as your own: If you roll the account into your own, your RMD schedule is based on your age.
Roth IRA 5-Year Rule
Inherited IRA: Earnings are tax-free only if your spouse’s Roth was open for at least 5 years.
Treat as your own: The account adopts your Roth’s age. If your Roth is already +5 years old, earnings are immediately tax-free.
Estate Planning
Inherited IRA: You cannot designate new primary beneficiaries, but you may name successor beneficiaries. Successor beneficiaries inherit the account only after your passing.
Treat as your own: You have full authority to name and update both primary and contingent beneficiaries at any time.
Quick Decision Guide
In general, here’s a simple way to think about it:
Need money now and under 59½? → Likely keep as inherited (to access funds without penalty).
Older than 59½ and want simplicity? → Likely treat it as your own (fewer tracking and reporting requirements).
Inherited Roth is less than 5 years old, but your Roth is older than 5 years? → Likely treat it as your own for immediate tax-free earnings (to remain compliant with the 5-year rule).
Inherited Roth is less than 5 years old and you don’t have a Roth? → Likely keep as inherited and wait until the 5-year mark for earnings to be tax-free (to remain compliant with the 5-year rule).
Bottom Line
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your age, your spouse’s age, the type of account, and your financial needs all play a role. Making the right choice can save you taxes, avoid penalties, and simplify your future planning.
If you’re facing this decision, don’t go it alone. A financial advisor can help you weigh the options and choose the path that fits your goals.
Need Help?
If you have questions about inherited IRAs or Roth IRAs, reach out to our team. We’ll guide you through the rules and help you make confident decisions during a difficult time.
