Taxing Consequences: What to Do with a Large IRA that Has Been Inherited or Accumulated

At some point you may come into a large sum of money or property as the beneficiary of a deceased IRA holder or from a distribution to you as a retirement plan participant. Understanding the tax consequences may prove helpful.

IRA Beneficiary
As an IRA beneficiary you have several options:

• Take a lump-sum distribution of the IRA now.1 Lump sums from traditional IRAs are generally subject to income tax, except for the amount of nondeductible contributions made to the IRA, while Roth IRA distributions may be free from taxation.
• Surviving spouse beneficiaries may treat an IRA received as a beneficiary as his or her own and name new beneficiaries to "stretch" the IRA to subsequent generations.2
• Non-spouse beneficiaries may take annual required minimum distributions over their own life expectancies and name a beneficiary to "stretch-out" their remaining IRA balance.
• Beneficiaries can withdraw the entire IRA balance at any time.1 Beneficiaries may take more than the minimum required amount from the IRA at any time.

Retirement Plan Lump Sums
When the time comes to decide what to do with your distribution from an employer's retirement plan, you may consider rolling the account balance into an IRA. You may have increased flexibility with your investment options and withdrawals. Be sure to initiate a "direct rollover" of these assets from your employer's retirement plan or mandatory withholding of 20 percent of the distribution may apply for income taxes.

For More Information
Contact us about receiving an in-depth retirement review. We can also help you with an inherited IRA or a lump-sum retirement plan distribution.3 Be sure to consult a competent tax professional as well. If you'd like to learn more please call John Armstrong at (800) 488-3436 x4353.

1. Withdrawals from a traditional IRA generally are subject to ordinary income taxes. Withdrawals from a traditional IRA or Roth IRA prior to age 591/2 may be subject to a 10 percent federal penalty. Exceptions apply, including the exception for withdrawals taken from an account for an owner's death. Roth IRA withdrawals may be income tax-free under certain conditions. Required minimum distributions from traditional and Roth IRAs must begin by December 31 of the year after the IRA owner's death, with exceptions that apply if the surviving spouse is the sole beneficiary.
2. A stretch IRA's goal is to extend the period of tax-deferred earnings beyond the lifetime of the person who created the account. It may not be appropriate for a person who will need the money for retirement or short-term expenses. You should also consider possible tax law changes.
3. The tax laws are complex and subject to change. This information is based upon current federal tax rules in effect at the time this was written.

Morgan Stanley and its Financial Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should always check with their tax or legal advisor before engaging in any transaction involving IRAs or other tax-advantaged investments.

Investments and services are offered through Morgan Stanley DW Inc., member SIPC.