Generally speaking, only the distributions from an inherited traditional IRA are taxable, just as they are for non-inherited traditional IRAs. Distributions from an inherited Roth aren't taxable unless the Roth was established within the past five years.
Inherited 401(k) plans are (or eventually will be) taxable, but the amount of tax depends on the 401(k) plan rules. For example, many 401(k) plans require a lump-sum distribution upon the death of the account holder. The surviving spouse can roll the 401(k) into an IRA, but if the beneficiary isn't a spouse, they might be forced to take a lump-sum payment and the tax bill that goes along with it.
When it comes to inherited IRAs and other retirement plans, the rules can get pretty complicated, but we're here to help. When you indicate in TurboTax that your IRA or plan was inherited, we'll ask a series of questions to determine how much, if any, is taxable on this year's return.
