Do I have to make my spouse my beneficiary?

Do I have to make my spouse my beneficiary?

Most people name their spouses as insurance beneficiaries. But if you live in a community property state and want to name someone else, get your spouse’s consent, in writing. The reason is that if you buy a life insurance policy with community funds—your wages, for example—then it belongs to both you and your spouse.

Do I have to name my spouse as beneficiary on my IRA?

The answer is usually no. If you have an IRA, the rules are different. The spousal rules under ERISA don’t control IRAs and the Tax Code doesn’t require you to name your spouse as the beneficiary of your IRA. So, in general, you can name anyone as the IRA beneficiary without having to get your spouse’s permission.

Can you name someone other than your spouse as beneficiary?

If you want to name a beneficiary who is someone other than your spouse, your spouse must sign a waiver. The waiver MUST be in writing. For example, you might be separated from your spouse – not divorced – and want to name a new beneficiary.

What happens if no beneficiary is named on IRA?

If your IRA is left without a designated beneficiary, then it’s paid to your estate. When this happens, IRS rules dictate that the account has to be fully distributed within five years. So, as the owner of an IRA, make sure that you designate not just a primary beneficiary, but an alternate beneficiary as well.

Can you convert an inherited IRA to a Roth?

Nope. You cannot convert a non-spousal, inherited IRA to a Roth account. “You can convert your own IRA.”Non-spouse options when you inherited an IRA are to take a lump sum distribution or open an inherited IRA, she said. Inherited IRAs can’t be converted into Roth IRAs.

Do beneficiaries pay taxes on IRA?

Beneficiaries of a retirement account or traditional IRA must include in their gross income any taxable distributions they receive.

Is it better to inherit a Roth or traditional IRA?

Conventional wisdom suggests that inheriting a Roth IRA is always better than inheriting a traditional IRA. “The basic rule for Roth IRA contributions/conversions remains true no matter who is making the withdrawal — the original owner or beneficiary,” says Spiegelman. …

What is the 10-year rule for inherited IRA?

Under the 10-year rule: You can withdraw from your inherited IRA assets at any time, in any amount within the 10-year time-frame. You must withdraw all assets by December 31 of the 10th anniversary year of the IRA owner’s death.