Life has a way of throwing surprises at us all the time.
Sometimes, those surprises come in the form of a 401(k) windfall. So, you’ve found yourself in a unique financial situation – your wife has inherited a 401(k).
While it might not be the most conventional topic for dinner table conversation, it’s a significant financial milestone that deserves your attention.
So, what are the best strategies you can use to handle the inherited 401(K) while avoiding a substantial tax burden?
In this guide, we explore inherited 401(k)s and what to do when you inherit a 401(k).
My Wife Inherited a 401k What’s the Best Way to Avoid a Big Tax Hit (Quick Answer)
If your wife inherited a 401(k), the best option she has to avoid a big tax hit is to roll over to an IRA. Rolling over the inherited funds to an IRA allows the funds to continue growing tax-deferred while avoiding an immediate tax hit. She won’t be required to withdraw the money until she reaches age 72 when she must start taking Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs).
What Do with an Inherited 401(k)
If you have received a substantial amount in the form of 401(k) inheritance, you may have several options with the money;
Rolling the 401(k) into an IRA
The first option you have is to roll over the inherited 401(k) into an IRA. By rolling over the inherited 401(k) into an inherited IRA, you can defer taxes and take withdrawals over an extended period.
An IRA gives you full control of the rolled-over funds, and you won’t be required to make withdrawals until you reach age 72 when you must start taking mandatory withdrawals. You will only owe income taxes on the money when you start making withdrawals.
You can take a lump-sum distribution
A second option you have is to cash out the entire amount in the inherited 401(k). However, it often comes with significant tax consequences.
If you choose this route, expect a big tax bill on the entire amount in the year of withdrawal. You may find yourself losing more money than you plan to the taxman.
Consider the stretch IRA strategy
The stretch IRA strategy allows you to spread withdrawals over your life expectancy. However, this works best if you are not yet past the age of 72 years.
A stretch IRA significantly reduces the immediate tax impact, providing a gentler landing for your newfound wealth.
Can an Inherited 401(k) Be Cashed Out?
Yes, you can cash out an inherited 401(k). However, it’s important to note that while this option is available, it often comes with significant tax implications and potential financial drawbacks.
Cashing out the entire inherited 401(k) means you’ll be required to pay income taxes on the withdrawn funds in the year of withdrawal. A lump-sum distribution can lead to a substantial tax hit.
Additionally, it might push you into a higher tax bracket, resulting in a more considerable tax bill than you anticipated. While cashing out the inherited 401(k) provides immediate access to the funds, it’s generally considered a less tax-efficient strategy.
Therefore, opt for alternative approaches to manage the inherited 401(k) while minimizing the immediate tax impact.
How to Avoid Taxes on 401(k) Withdrawals
There are several strategies to help you avoid taxes on 401(k) withdrawals. Here are some strategies you can use:
Rollover to an inherited IRA
One of the most effective ways to defer taxes is by rolling over the inherited 401(k) into an inherited IRA. This strategy allows you to continue the tax-deferred growth of the assets and take withdrawals over an extended period.
By doing so, you can spread the tax liability across several years, reducing the immediate tax impact.
Embrace the stretch IRA strategy
If your spouse hasn’t reached the age of 72, the stretch IRA strategy can be a smart choice. The stretch IRA strategy enables you to take withdrawals based on her life expectancy, which results in smaller, more manageable annual distributions.
By using this approach, you can significantly reduce the immediate tax burden while preserving the tax-advantaged growth of the assets.
Consider a Roth conversion
Depending on your financial situation, converting the inherited 401(k) assets into a Roth IRA could be a strategic move.
While you’ll pay taxes on the conversion, future withdrawals from a Roth IRA are tax-free. This can be especially advantageous if you anticipate higher tax rates in the future or if you have a long investment horizon.
Plan your withdrawals wisely
Strategically managing your withdrawals from the inherited 401(k) can also help reduce the tax liability. By carefully timing when and how much you withdraw, you can ensure that you stay within lower tax brackets and minimize the impact of required minimum distributions (RMDs).
Consider Charitable Giving
If you are philanthropically inclined, you can donate a portion of your inherited 401(k) directly to a qualified charity. This can help reduce your taxable income and provide a charitable tax deduction.
Does the 10-Year Rule Apply to Spouses?
No, the 10-year inherited 401(k) withdrawal rule does not apply to spouses.
If you inherit 401(k) assets as a surviving spouse of a deceased spouse, you have more flexibility than non-spouse beneficiaries.
Instead of being subject to the 10-year rule, which requires non-spouse beneficiaries to withdraw the entire inherited retirement account by the 10th anniversary of the account owner’s death, you will have different options available for you.
You can choose to roll over the inherited retirement account into your own IRA or an Inherited IRA. By doing so, you can continue to defer taxes and take distributions based on your life expectancy. Hence, you will be able to stretch out the withdrawals over a longer period, potentially reducing the immediate tax impact and preserving more of the inherited assets for your financial future.
How Long Does It Take to Get 401(k) Inheritance?
The time it takes to receive your 401(k) inheritance can vary depending on several factors, including the financial institution handling the money and the duration it takes to complete the necessary paperwork.
Typically, it may take several weeks to a few months to finalize the process and gain access to the inherited funds. However, the exact timeline can differ from case to case.
You can track the progress of the 401(k) inheritance with the plan administrator or the executor of the deceased’s estate to ensure a smooth and timely transfer of the inherited assets.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when your wife inherits a 401(k), you’re faced with both a financial opportunity and a potential tax challenge.
By understanding your options, like rolling over the inherited 401(k) into an IRA, considering the stretch IRA strategy, and consulting a financial advisor, you can optimize your financial future while minimizing the immediate tax impact.