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Inherited IRA Minimum Distribution

Estimate inherited IRA required minimum distribution using a simple life expectancy lookup for a non-spouse beneficiary.

Results

Life expectancy factor (simplified)
41.70
Estimated inherited IRA RMD
$5,995

How to use this calculator

  1. Enter beneficiary age and inherited IRA balance.
  2. We look up a life expectancy factor and divide balance by that factor.
  3. Review the estimated inherited RMD.
  4. Adjust age or balance to see how RMD size changes.

Inputs explained

Beneficiary age
Age of non-spouse beneficiary for life expectancy lookup (simplified chart).
Inherited IRA balance
Current balance used to approximate the required distribution.

How it works

We map your age to a simplified life expectancy factor (sample values from common RMD tables).

Estimated RMD = balance ÷ life expectancy factor.

Formula

Estimated inherited RMD ≈ inherited balance ÷ lifeExpectancyFactor, where the factor is a simplified sample from inherited IRA Single Life-style tables.

When to use it

  • Quick estimate of inherited IRA RMD based on beneficiary age.
  • Illustrating how RMDs scale with age and balance.
  • Checking whether an inherited IRA may push you into a higher tax bracket.
  • Comparing inherited RMD estimates to your own IRA RMDs when planning cash flow.

Tips & cautions

  • Actual tables differ (Single Life Table); this is a simplified lookup. Consult IRS or plan administrator for exact factors.
  • If your age is between listed factors, the nearest factor is used here for simplicity.
  • SECURE Act rules can impose a 10-year payout in many cases; use this as a rough annual draw guide, not a compliance tool.
  • Consider withholding or estimated payments if the RMD is large relative to your other income.
  • Simplified life expectancy factors; not official IRS Single Life Table.
  • Does not handle spouse beneficiaries or 10-year rule nuances.
  • Does not enforce first-year distribution deadlines or track year-by-year factor reductions.
  • Ignores Roth inheritance rules (different treatment) and trust/complex beneficiary scenarios.

Worked examples

Middle-aged non-spouse beneficiary

  • Beneficiary age 45; inherited balance $250,000.
  • We apply a simplified life expectancy factor; RMD ≈ balance ÷ factor (e.g., ~250,000 ÷ 38–40).
  • Shows yearly withdrawal size for planning purposes, but actual IRS factors should be used for compliance.

Older beneficiary

  • Beneficiary age 70; inherited balance $150,000.
  • Life expectancy factor is smaller, so RMD is larger as a percent of the account.

Deep dive

Estimate an inherited IRA minimum distribution using a simple life expectancy factor based on beneficiary age.

Enter inherited IRA balance and age to see an estimated RMD for a non-spouse beneficiary.

Use this as a quick inherited RMD ballpark before reviewing official IRS Single Life tables and SECURE Act requirements.

Test how different inherited balances and ages affect required distributions and potential tax impact.

FAQs

Does this reflect SECURE Act 10-year rules?
No. It uses a simplified life expectancy approach. Many non-spouse heirs must empty the account within 10 years under SECURE/SECURE 2.0. Use this only as a rough annual withdrawal guide.
Is this for spouse beneficiaries?
No. Spouses have more options (rollover, treat as own) and different tables. This tool is aimed at non-spouse beneficiaries.
Will this match my custodian’s RMD calculation?
Not exactly. Custodians use official IRS tables and current rules. This calculator uses simplified factors for planning, not exact compliance.

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Simplified inherited IRA RMD estimator. Not an official IRS Single Life Table and does not implement SECURE Act 10-year rules or spouse-specific options. Use it for rough planning only and confirm required distributions with official tables, your custodian, and a tax professional.