How Can You Extend the Benefits of an Inherited IRA?

Simplifying the Path to Generational Wealth with Inherited IRAs

Stretching the Benefits of an Inherited IRA

You've worked hard to grow your IRA for a secure retirement. But what happens to your savings when you don’t use all your funds? With thoughtful planning, you can pass on your IRA in a way that helps your loved ones, allowing them to continue tax-deferred growth and extend financial security for generations.

Building a Strong Financial Legacy is as Easy as 1, 2, 3

Choose your primary and secondary beneficiaries carefully.
If your spouse is the primary beneficiary, they can re-register the IRA in their name and stretch distributions over their lifetime.
If a non-spousal beneficiary inherits the IRA, they typically must withdraw the full amount within 10 years—but they can choose annual, periodic, or lump-sum distributions.
Note: Some non-spousal beneficiaries—such as minors, disabled individuals, or those not more than 10 years younger than the original owner—may qualify for a life expectancy-based distribution instead of the 10-year rule.

How a Stretch IRA Works

Let’s look at an example of how an IRA can benefit multiple generations¹:

Ed (Original IRA Owner)

Starts with a $300,000 IRA
Retires at 60
By age 73, his IRA grows to $639,878
Takes Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) for 14 years, receiving $487,053
Earns $555,467 during RMD years

Mary (Spouse & Primary Beneficiary)

Inherits $708,292 and treats it as her own IRA
Takes RMDs for 12 years, receiving $497,418
Earns $497,670 on her account

Jim (Son & Secondary Beneficiary)

Inherits $708,543
Chooses to take the death distribution over a 10-year period
Note: this account will need to be depleted by the end of the 10th year, following the year of Mary's death
Receives a total of $1,120,348
Earns $411,805 on the account

Smart Planning for a Bigger Financial Legacy

By strategically naming a spouse as the primary beneficiary, who then designates their own primary beneficiary, both heirs benefit from tax-deferred, compounded growth. Over 48 years, this approach helps an IRA grow to $2,104,820, benefiting three generations.

Making the Right Choice

With the right strategy, you can ensure your beneficiaries maximize their inheritance and continue growing their wealth for years to come.

_{¹Example assumes a 6% return and a combined tax rate of 24%. RMD amount calculated is pretax. Depending on your product, contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC), market value adjustment (MVA), and other product charges may still apply upon withdrawals.}

Additional Topics

What you need to know about Inherited IRAs

An Inherited IRA is an account passed down to beneficiaries when the original account holder passes away, allowing them to continue benefiting from tax-deferred growth. However, it comes with specific withdrawal rules.

What you should know about Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)

Required Minimum Distributions, or RMDs, are minimum amounts you must withdraw annually from your tax-deferred retirement account. We cover the ins and outs of RMDs.

Learn More About RMDs

Neither Security Benefit nor its subsidiaries and affiliates are fiduciaries. This information is general in nature and intended for use with the general public. For additional information, including any specific advice or recommendations, please visit with your financial professional.

Services are offered through Security Distributors, an indirect subsidiary of SBL Holdings, Inc. (Security Benefit).

Security Benefit, its affiliates and subsidiaries, and their respective employees, representatives, do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. Any statements contained herein concerning taxes were not intended as and should not be construed as tax advice, nor should they be used for the purpose of avoiding federal, state, or local taxes and/or tax penalties. Please seek independent tax, accounting or legal advice.

SB-10063-02 | 2025-02-26