RMD on an Inherited IRA

[user17647305158]

Hi.  I am 55 and inherited a small IRA from my Mom.  I understand that I need to take RMDs and deplete the account within 10 years.  My question is, am I able to deplete the account in 2 or 3 years?  Is this an issue?

Any guidance would be appreciated.....

[rjs · Accepted solution]

You can always take out more than required. The RMD is a minimum amount each year. You can freely take more than the minimum. The 10 years is the maximum time. There is no minimum time. You can take out the entire balance of the account tomorrow if you want to.

As you are probably aware, you have to pay income tax on the amount you take out in any year.

[Opus 17]

Be aware that if you inherited this in 2025, and your mother was older than her own RMD beginning age, and she did not withdraw her RMD before she died, you must first withdraw an amount equal (or more) than her RMD before December 31, 2025.  (It is included as income on your tax return, not hers, if it is withdrawn after her death.)

Then, you must withdraw your own RMD starting in 2026, and continuing until you empty the account, which must be in 10 years or less.  You can always withdraw more than the RMD, and you can withdraw all and close the account any time you want in less than 10 years.   Remember, an RMD is not a special transaction, it is just the minimum amount a person must withdraw over the year.  For example, if your mother's RMD was $5000, it would be satisfied by a single withdrawal of $5000.  But it would also be satisfied if she withdrew $1000 per month over 5 months for living expenses.  

[user17647305158]

Thank you so much for this response.  I really appreciate it!

[user17647305158]

Thank you very very much!