Inherited IRA Rules (SECURE 2.0): The Complete 2025 Guide
The rules for inherited IRAs changed dramatically under SECURE 2.0. Most non-spouse beneficiaries must now distribute the entire account within 10 years — but how and when you take distributions matters enormously for your tax bill.
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The Big Change: SECURE 2.0 and the 10-Year Rule
Before the SECURE Act of 2019 (updated in SECURE 2.0 in 2022), most beneficiaries could "stretch" inherited IRA distributions over their own lifetime — keeping the money growing tax-deferred for decades. That strategy is largely gone for most beneficiaries.
Under current rules, most non-spouse beneficiaries must distribute the entire inherited IRA within 10 years of the original owner's death. There are no required annual distributions — just a mandatory full distribution by the end of year 10. But the IRS complicated this with additional rules for "eligible designated beneficiaries."
Which Category Are You?
| Beneficiary Type | Rules |
|---|---|
| Surviving spouse | Most flexible — can roll into own IRA, treat as own, or use inherited IRA rules with life expectancy distributions |
| Minor child of the deceased | Life expectancy distributions until age 21, then 10-year rule kicks in |
| Disabled or chronically ill individual | Can use life expectancy (stretch) distributions — original rules preserved |
| Within 10 years of age of deceased | Can use life expectancy distributions |
| All other non-spouse beneficiaries | Must fully distribute within 10 years of owner's death |
Navigating the 10-Year Rule: Tax Strategy Matters Enormously
Under the 10-year rule, you must take out all the money within 10 years — but you choose when within that window. This creates significant tax planning opportunities:
If you inherited a Roth IRA, the 10-year rule still applies — but qualified distributions are completely tax-free (the original owner already paid taxes). Strategy: keep the money invested as long as possible within the 10-year window and take the entire balance in year 10. Tax-free growth for a decade, then one tax-free distribution.
Are Annual RMDs Required Under the 10-Year Rule?
This was genuinely confusing — the IRS issued conflicting guidance. The final rule (as of 2025): if the original owner had already started taking Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) when they died, non-spouse beneficiaries must take annual RMDs based on their own life expectancy during years 1–9, AND distribute whatever remains by the end of year 10. If the owner had NOT yet started RMDs, no annual distributions are required — just full distribution by year 10.
The penalty for failing to take a required minimum distribution is 25% of the amount that should have been distributed (reduced to 10% if corrected within 2 years). The IRS waived penalties for non-spouse beneficiaries who missed RMDs in 2021–2024 while the rules were being clarified. For 2025 and beyond, the rules are firm — comply or face the penalty.