RMDs on Inherited TOD IRAs with multiple beneficiaries
A man died in California in August at age 94. He was taking quarterly RMD distributions from his IRAs, so at the time of his death, half of his 2023 RMD had been taken. He has 5 named beneficiaries, each with an equal share inherited IRA account and inherited brokerage account. The estate is small (only $16,000 not in POD or TOD accounts) and will not be going through probate. The heirs are pooling some of the inherited cash to pay back taxes. According to the brokerage firm, about $40,000 of RMD remains undistributed for the year of death. The heirs have widely varying income, and therefore, anticipated tax liability, for any IRA distributions. It was suggested that the remainder of the RMD for the year of death could be taken from any of the inherited IRAs. Is that correct? I also am finding lots of confusing, contradictory information about Designated Beneficiary RMDs on the inherited IRAs. One heir is disabled and may be Eligible for lifetime distribution. The rest are all ordinary (nonspouse) Designated Beneficiaries. I understand that the Designated Beneficiaries must empty their inherited IRAs within 10 years, but do they also have to take RMDs each year? And if so, how are those RMDs calculated? Thank you.
