Naming a Trust as an IRA Beneficiary: What You Need to Know

Trusts are widely used in estate planning to provide control, protection, and flexibility over how assets are managed and distributed. They help ensure assets are directed according to your wishes, protect beneficiaries who may not be equipped to manage an inheritance on their own, and offer privacy and efficiency in settling your estate.

While it is more common to name individuals as IRA beneficiaries, there are specific cases where naming a trust as an IRA beneficiary may be the right choice—such as when planning for minors, beneficiaries with special needs, or coordinating more complex family or tax strategies.

However, the rules governing trusts as IRA beneficiaries are intricate and have become even more so following the SECURE Act (2019) and SECURE 2.0 (2022). If you're considering naming a trust as your IRA beneficiary, understanding the IRS required minimum distribution (RMD) rules and their tax impact is essential to avoiding unintended consequences.

Why Consider Naming a Trust as an IRA Beneficiary?

Naming a trust as the beneficiary of your IRA can give you more control over how and when retirement assets are distributed after death. For example:

• Distribute assets gradually to a young or financially inexperienced heir

• Protect a beneficiary who relies on means-tested public benefits

• Provide long-term oversight for a loved one with special needs

• Centralize planning by updating one trust document instead of multiple beneficiary forms

However, due to post-SECURE Act complexity, careful structuring is critical to avoid accelerated taxes and lost deferral opportunities. 

Understanding Beneficiary Categories Under the SECURE Act

The SECURE Act categorizes beneficiaries into three main types, each with distinct tax treatment:

1. Eligible Designated Beneficiaries (EDBs)

These individuals can stretch IRA distributions over their life expectancy:

• Surviving spouse

• Minor child of the account owner (until age 21, then 10-year rule applies)

• Disabled or chronically ill individual

• Individuals not more than 10 years younger than the account owner

2. Non-Eligible Designated Beneficiaries (Non-EDBs)

These include most adult children and grandchildren. They must withdraw the entire IRA balance within 10 years, accelerating taxable income.

3. Non-Designated Beneficiaries

Includes entities like estates or certain trusts that do not qualify as see-through. These are subject to stricter RMD schedules:

• If the owner died before their Required Beginning Date (RBD): Account must be emptied within 5 years

• If the owner died on or after their RBD: Distributions follow the owner’s remaining life expectancy

RBD Note: The Required Beginning Date is April 1 of the year after turning age 73 (or 75 if turning 74 after December 31, 2032, under SECURE 2.0).

Examples

• A 15-year-old minor child (EDB) can stretch distributions to age 21, then must fully distribute by age 31

• A 45-year-old adult child (non-EDB) must withdraw all funds within 10 years

• A non-see-through trust inheriting a $500,000 IRA must follow the 5-year rule if the owner died before RBD—leading to large annual distributions taxed at 37% federal if retained

 Trusts as IRA Beneficiaries: A Complex Framework

Trusts are subject to unique IRS rules depending on whether they qualify as see-through trusts and the status of the underlying beneficiaries.

Non-See-Through Trusts (Non-Designated Beneficiaries)

These trusts fail to meet IRS "see-through" requirements—often due to:

• Having non-individual beneficiaries

• Failing to provide documentation to the IRA custodian

• Ambiguous or noncompliant language in the trust document

Distribution rules:

• Owner died before RBD → 5-year rule

• Owner died on or after RBD → Distributions follow owner’s life expectancy

Example: A non-see-through trust inherits a $500,000 IRA in 2025. If the owner died before RBD, the account must be distributed by 2030—about $100,000 per year. If retained, income taxed at trust rates (37% federal starting at $15,200 in 2025).

See-Through Trusts (Designated Beneficiaries)

A see-through trust meets IRS criteria:

• Has identifiable individual beneficiaries

• Is valid under state law

• Provides timely documentation to the IRA custodian

This allows the IRS to look through to the underlying beneficiaries and apply EDB or non-EDB rules.

Scenarios:

• All EDBs: Life expectancy stretch allowed

• Any Non-EDB: 10-year rule applies

• Owner died after RBD: Years 1–9 require annual RMDs based on oldest beneficiary’s life expectancy

Example: A see-through trust names a 65-year-old spouse (EDB) and a 30-year-old adult child (non-EDB). The presence of a non-EDB triggers the 10-year rule—$1 million must be distributed by 2034, likely $100,000 annually.

Separate Accounting: A Key Opportunity Under Final Regulations (2024)

New IRS guidance (Final RMD Regulations, July 2024) allows separate accounting for subtrusts if:

• The trust document mandates division immediately after death

• Subtrusts receive pre-specified IRA shares (not discretionary)

Each subtrust can then follow the distribution schedule of its own beneficiary:

• EDB Subtrusts: Stretch allowed

• Non-EDB Subtrusts: 10-year rule applies

Example: A $1 million IRA is split between a spouse (EDB) and adult child (non-EDB) in 2025.

• Spouse’s subtrust: Life expectancy stretch (approx. $21,000/year initially)

• Child’s subtrust: 10-year rule ($50,000/year if evenly split)

• Each pays tax based on their own rate—potentially reducing trust-level taxation.

Strategic Tax Planning for IRA Trust Beneficiaries

If you're considering naming a trust as your IRA beneficiary, keep these planning tips in mind:

• Use separate accounting: Mandate subtrusts in your document and assign specific IRA shares

• Ensure see-through compliance: Only use identifiable individual beneficiaries and submit timely documentation

• Match structure to intent:

  • Use conduit trusts for simplicity and direct distributions to EDBs

  • Use accumulation trusts for control, but account for high trust tax rates

• Consult a qualified attorney to ensure compliance with SECURE Act and IRS regulations

• Review regularly: Update your trust after life events or regulatory changes (e.g., SECURE 2.0 RMD age shifts)

Take Action: Plan Your Trust with Precision

The SECURE Act and the 2024 IRS regulations introduced new complexities—but also new planning opportunities. If you’ve named, or are considering naming, a trust as your IRA beneficiary, now is the time to review your plan.

At Vaultis Private Wealth, we work closely with clients to ensure their estate and retirement assets are coordinated thoughtfully and tax-efficiently. From trust structure to beneficiary designation, we help you take proactive steps to protect your legacy and minimize unintended tax consequences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I name a trust as the beneficiary of my IRA?

Yes. A trust can be named as an IRA beneficiary, but it must meet certain IRS criteria to preserve favorable tax treatment. These are known as the “see-through” trust rules.

What is a see-through trust?

A see-through trust is one where all beneficiaries are identifiable individuals, allowing the IRA to “look through” the trust and apply distribution rules based on the underlying beneficiaries’ life expectancies or the 10-year rule under the SECURE Act.

Why would someone name a trust instead of an individual?

Trusts are often used to control how and when IRA assets are distributed — especially useful for minors, spendthrift heirs, or complex family situations. They also provide an additional layer of asset protection and control after death.

How did the SECURE Act change IRA planning with trusts?

The SECURE Act eliminated the stretch IRA for most non-spouse beneficiaries, including trusts. Most trust beneficiaries must now fully distribute inherited IRA assets within 10 years, which can accelerate tax consequences.

Are there risks to naming a trust as the IRA beneficiary?

Yes. If the trust doesn’t meet IRS requirements or isn’t drafted carefully, it could trigger immediate taxation or force faster distributions. Coordination between your attorney and financial advisor is critical to avoid unintended outcomes.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or investment advice. Individual circumstances vary, and tax laws are subject to change. Please consult with a qualified financial, tax, or legal advisor before making decisions regarding your IRA or beneficiary planning.

Distribution Rules When You Inherit an IRA

With IRAs representing a significant portion of many investors’ wealth, both beneficiary planning and a clear understanding of IRA inheritance distribution rules are essential. The SECURE Act (2019) and SECURE 2.0 (2022) introduced major changes that affect how inherited IRAs are distributed—especially for non-spouse beneficiaries. Understanding these changes is critical for minimizing taxes and preserving wealth for future generations.

Why IRA Beneficiary Designations Matter

Unlike other assets, your IRA passes directly to the beneficiaries you name—regardless of what your will or trust says. That means your decisions have a direct impact on how and when heirs receive these assets—and how much may be lost to taxes. The SECURE Act eliminated the “stretch IRA” for most non-spouse beneficiaries, replacing it with a 10-year rule. SECURE 2.0 further changed required minimum distribution (RMD) ages and added flexibility for spouses.

The End of the Stretch IRA: A Compressed Timeline

Before 2020, most beneficiaries could stretch required minimum distributions (RMDs) over their entire life expectancy, using the IRS Single Life Table. This long-term deferral allowed younger beneficiaries to minimize annual tax burdens and maximize the IRA’s compounding potential.

The SECURE Act replaced this option for most non-spouse beneficiaries with a 10-year withdrawal rule. Now, the account must be emptied within 10 years—often increasing the beneficiary’s taxable income during peak earning years.

Example: A 45-year-old inheriting a $1 million IRA in 2025 must now withdraw the full balance by 2035. Even if spread evenly, that’s ~$100,000/year—versus $24,400/year under the former stretch rules. This change significantly compresses tax deferral and may push the heir into a higher tax bracket.

Understanding Beneficiary Categories

The distribution rules depend on the type of beneficiary. The SECURE Act defines three main categories:

Eligible Designated Beneficiaries (EDBs)

These individuals can still stretch distributions over their life expectancy:

• Surviving spouses – May roll the IRA into their own, delay RMDs until age 73, or use the deceased’s schedule

• Minor children of the account owner – Stretch allowed until age 21, then 10-year rule applies

• Disabled or chronically ill individuals – Stretch permitted with proper documentation

• Individuals less than 10 years younger than the owner – Often siblings or close-in-age partners

Example: A 15-year-old inheriting an IRA can take distributions based on life expectancy until age 21, then must withdraw the remainder within the following 10 years.

Non-Eligible Designated Beneficiaries (Non-EDBs)

Most adult children, grandchildren, or unrelated individuals fall into this group. They must follow the 10-year rule, with specific requirements based on the IRA owner’s Required Beginning Date (RBD):

• RBD: April 1 of the year following the year the IRA owner reaches age 73 (for individuals born between 1951 and 1959) or age 75 (for those born in 1960 or later), as stipulated by SECURE 2.0.

If the owner died before RBD:

• No annual RMDs are required

• Beneficiary can withdraw any amount any year, as long as the IRA is fully distributed by the end of year 10

• Greater flexibility for tax planning

If the owner died on or after RBD:

• Annual RMDs are required for years 1–9, based on the beneficiary’s life expectancy

• Full distribution still required by the end of year 10

• IRS waived penalties for missed RMDs between 2021–2024 due to confusion

• Beginning in 2025, failing to take required minimum distributions (RMDs) may result in a 25% excise tax on the missed amount. However, if the oversight is corrected within two years, the penalty may be reduced to 10%, as outlined in SECURE 2.0.

Example: A 50-year-old inheriting an IRA from a parent who died after age 73 must take annual RMDs for 9 years and distribute the entire account by year 10. Strategic withdrawals—like taking more in lower-income years—can reduce overall tax impact.

Trusts as IRA Beneficiaries: Control Comes with Complexity

Trusts can provide valuable control and protection for beneficiaries, but they come with more complex tax treatment:

• Most trusts must follow the 10-year rule, unless structured as a see-through trust with qualified individual beneficiaries

• Non-see-through trusts are subject to even stricter rules

• For best results, work with an advisor to ensure the trust meets IRS requirements and aligns with your planning goals

Strategic Tax Planning for Inherited IRAs

If you’ve inherited an IRA—or are planning your legacy—consider these strategies:

• Time withdrawals strategically: Withdraw more in lower-income years to reduce total taxes

• Maximize spousal rollover options: Spouses can often delay or reduce taxable distributions

• Review designations regularly: Update beneficiaries after life events or tax law changes

• Coordinate with trusts: Ensure language is SECURE Act-compliant if using trusts as beneficiaries

Take Action: Plan for the Future, Avoid Surprises

The most important step you can take today is to review your IRA beneficiary designations. This simple task is often overlooked—but critical to ensuring your wealth is transferred in a tax-efficient, intentional way.

The shift from the stretch IRA to the 10-year rule has major tax implications. IRA owners must regularly review and update beneficiary designations. Beneficiaries must understand their distribution rules to avoid penalties and missed opportunities.

If you’re an IRA owner, take time to ensure your beneficiary choices reflect your goals and family structure. If you’re inheriting an IRA, know your category and obligations under current law. Staying informed and working with a qualified advisor can help protect your wealth—and your legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the current rules for inherited IRA distributions?

Most non-spouse beneficiaries must fully distribute the inherited IRA within 10 years of the original owner’s death, due to changes introduced by the SECURE Act. Required minimum distributions (RMDs) may still apply within those 10 years, depending on the beneficiary type.

Do spouses follow the same 10-year rule for inherited IRAs?

No. A surviving spouse can treat an inherited IRA as their own, which typically allows for more flexible distribution options and may delay RMDs until age 73.

What happens if the original IRA owner was already taking RMDs?

If the IRA owner passed away after beginning RMDs, the non-spouse beneficiary may be required to continue those distributions annually within the 10-year window, depending on their relationship to the decedent.

Are trusts subject to the same 10-year distribution rule?

Generally yes. Most trusts that inherit IRAs are now subject to the 10-year rule. However, certain types of trusts — like “eligible designated beneficiary” (EDB) trusts for disabled or chronically ill individuals — may still qualify for stretch treatment.

What are the penalties for missing required IRA distributions?

Missing a required distribution can trigger a penalty of 25% of the amount that should have been withdrawn. Working with a financial advisor can help ensure compliance and avoid costly mistakes.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or investment advice. Individual circumstances vary, and tax laws are subject to change. Please consult with a qualified financial, tax, or legal advisor before making decisions regarding your IRA or beneficiary planning.

529 Plans: A Guide to Education Savings

As the cost of education continues to rise, many families are looking for effective ways to save for their children's future. One popular option is the 529 plan, a tax-advantaged savings vehicle designed specifically for education expenses. In this guide, we'll explore what 529 plans are, how they work, and strategies to maximize their benefits.

What is a 529 Plan? A 529 plan is a state-sponsored investment account that allows families to save for education expenses with tax advantages. These plans are named after Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code and are designed to encourage saving for future education costs. An account owner, typically a parent or grandparent, opens the account on behalf of a beneficiary (the future student).

Key Features of 529 Plans:

1. Tax Advantages: Earnings in 529 plans grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified education expenses are also tax-free at the federal level. Many states offer additional tax benefits for contributions.

2. Flexibility: Funds can be used for a wide range of qualified education expenses, including tuition, fees, books, supplies, and room and board for college. Since 2018, up to $10,000 per year can also be used for K-12 tuition expenses.

3. Control: The account owner maintains control of the funds, not the beneficiary. This includes the ability to change the beneficiary if needed.

Contribution Rules:

1. No Income Restrictions: Unlike some other savings vehicles, there are no income limits for contributing to 529 plans.

2. Gift Tax Considerations: Contributions are considered gifts for tax purposes. In 2025, you can contribute up to $19,000 per beneficiary annually without triggering gift tax reporting.

3. Superfunding Option: You can front-load up to five years of gifts at once, contributing up to $95,000 (or $190,000 for married couples) in a single year without incurring gift taxes, provided you make an election on your tax return.

Distribution Rules:

1. Qualified Distributions: Withdrawals for qualified education expenses are tax-free and penalty-free. These include:

• Tuition and fees

• Books and supplies

• Room and board (if enrolled at least half-time)

• Computer equipment and internet access

• K-12 tuition (up to $10,000 annually)

• Apprenticeship programs: Funds can be used for the beneficiary's participation in certain registered apprenticeship programs

• Student loan repayment: Up to $10,000 (lifetime limit) can be used to repay qualified student loans for the beneficiary 

2. Non-Qualified Distributions: Withdrawals for non-qualified expenses are subject to income tax on the earnings portion, plus a 10% penalty. Exceptions to the penalty include:

• Death or disability of the beneficiary

• Receipt of a scholarship by the beneficiary

• Attendance at a U.S. Military Academy

Funding Strategies:

1. Front-Loading: If financially feasible, consider making a large upfront contribution to maximize potential tax-free growth. Front-loading allows more time for investments to grow in the market, potentially leading to greater returns over time. This strategy can be particularly effective when you have access to lump sums, such as bonuses, stock options, or inheritances.

2. Automatic Contributions: Set up regular, automatic contributions from your bank account or paycheck to ensure consistent saving. This "set it-and-forget it" approach helps make saving a habit and integrates education savings seamlessly into your budget. Even small, regular contributions can add up significantly over time.

Investment Options: 

529 plans typically offer a range of investment options, including:

1. Age-Based Portfolios: These automatically adjust the asset allocation based on the beneficiary's age.

2. Static Portfolios: These maintain a consistent asset allocation over time.

3. Individual Fund Options: Some plans allow you to create your own portfolio from a selection of mutual funds.

Additional Features and Considerations:

Who Can Contribute? While the account owner maintains control of the 529 plan, anyone can contribute to it. This means parents, grandparents, other relatives, and even friends can all contribute to a child's education savings. This flexibility makes 529 plans an excellent tool for collective family saving efforts.

Flexibility in Beneficiary Designation: One of the key advantages of 529 plans is the ability to change the beneficiary. The account owner has the power to transfer the benefits to another qualifying family member without incurring penalties. For example, if you have multiple children and the older child doesn't use all the funds (perhaps due to scholarships or choosing a less expensive education path), you can change the beneficiary to a younger child. This flexibility ensures that the education savings can be used efficiently within the family.

New Roth IRA Conversion Option: Recent legislation has introduced an exciting new feature for 529 plans. Starting in 2024, account owners can convert a portion of unused 529 funds to a Roth IRA for the beneficiary. This option provides a valuable alternative for funds that aren't needed for education expenses. Here are the key details:

• Lifetime Limit: Up to $35,000 can be converted over the beneficiary's lifetime.

• Annual Limits: Conversions are subject to the annual Roth IRA contribution limits. For 2025, this limit is $7,000 (under 50).

• Account Age: The 529 account must have been open for at least 15 years.

• Contribution Timing: Only contributions (and earnings on those contributions) made at least 5 years before the conversion are eligible.

The ability to transfer excess funds to a Roth IRA can jumpstart the beneficiary's retirement savings, offering long-term financial benefits beyond education.

529 plans offer a tax-efficient way to save for education expenses, with flexible investment options, and now, potential retirement savings benefits. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or someone else looking to support a child's education, a 529 plan can be an excellent choice. The ability to change beneficiaries and the new Roth IRA conversion option add even more flexibility to these already versatile savings tools.

By understanding the rules, employing smart funding strategies like front-loading or automatic contributions, and taking advantage of the plan's flexibility, you can maximize the benefits of these powerful savings vehicles. Remember, while this guide provides a general overview, tax laws and specific plan details can vary by state. It's always wise to consult with a financial advisor or tax professional to determine the best strategy for your individual situation.

Disclosure:

The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as personalized financial advice. This content does not take into account your individual circumstances, objectives, or needs. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, tax laws and regulations are subject to change, and specific details of 529 plans may vary by state. Before making any financial decisions or implementing strategies discussed in this article, we strongly recommend consulting with a qualified financial advisor, tax professional, or legal counsel. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation and help ensure compliance with current laws and regulations. The author and publisher of this article are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided herein. Investment involves risk, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Please carefully consider your financial situation, risk tolerance, and goals before making any investment or financial decisions.

Tax-Loss Harvesting: A Year-Round Strategy

In the complex world of investment management, understanding and leveraging tax-efficient strategies is crucial for maximizing wealth. One such strategy, often misunderstood or underutilized, is tax-loss harvesting.

Tax-loss harvesting is a method of reducing your tax liability by strategically selling investments that have experienced a loss. These realized losses can then be used to offset capital gains from other investments, which may lower your overall tax bill. If your capital losses exceed your capital gains in a given year, you can use up to $3,000 of the excess to offset ordinary income, with any remaining losses carried forward to future tax years.

The mechanics of tax-loss harvesting are straightforward, but its effective implementation requires careful planning and execution. When an investment in your portfolio has declined in value, you sell it to realize the loss for tax purposes. Immediately after, you reinvest the proceeds in a similar (but not identical) investment to maintain your desired market exposure. This process allows you to capture the tax benefit without significantly altering your investment strategy.

It's crucial to note the IRS "wash sale" rule, which prohibits claiming a loss on a security if you purchase the same or a "substantially identical" security within 30 days before or after the sale. Navigating this rule effectively is essential to successful tax-loss harvesting.

While many investors and even some advisors only consider tax-loss harvesting at year-end, at Vaultis Private Wealth, we recognize that market volatility creates opportunities for tax-loss harvesting throughout the year. Our approach is proactive and ongoing, designed to capture value for our clients whenever market conditions present an opportunity.

Our team continuously monitors client portfolios for tax-loss harvesting opportunities. We employ sophisticated software and analytics to identify investments that have declined in value and may be candidates for harvesting. This constant vigilance allows us to act swiftly when opportunities arise, rather than waiting for an arbitrary date on the calendar.

When we identify a potential tax-loss harvesting opportunity, we carefully evaluate it in the context of the client's overall financial picture. We consider factors such as the size of the loss, the client's current and projected tax situation, and the role of the investment in the overall portfolio strategy. This thorough analysis ensures that any tax-loss harvesting action aligns with the client's broader financial goals.

The benefits of this year-round, proactive approach to tax-loss harvesting are significant:

1. Tax Savings: By consistently identifying opportunities to offset capital gains and potentially reduce ordinary income, clients may see substantial reductions in their annual tax bills. This approach can be particularly beneficial in years with significant market volatility.

2. Improved After-Tax Returns: Over time, the tax savings generated through harvesting can be reinvested, potentially leading to enhanced long-term portfolio growth. This compounding effect can significantly impact wealth accumulation over an investor's lifetime.

3. Customized Approach: By integrating tax-loss harvesting into our ongoing portfolio management process, we can tailor the strategy to each client's unique financial situation. This personalized approach ensures that tax-loss harvesting decisions are made in the context of the client's overall investment strategy, risk tolerance, and tax circumstances.

In conclusion, tax-loss harvesting is a powerful tool for enhancing after-tax returns, but its effectiveness lies in consistent, year-round implementation. At Vaultis Private Wealth, we've made this strategy an integral part of our investment management process, allowing us to capitalize on opportunities as they arise and maximize the potential benefits for our clients. By doing so, we help ensure that tax considerations are not just an afterthought, but a key component of a comprehensive wealth management strategy.

Disclosures:

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as investment advice. Tax-loss harvesting strategies may not be suitable for all investors, and the benefits can vary based on individual circumstances. The effectiveness of tax-loss harvesting is subject to change based on tax laws, which are subject to change. Investors should consult with their tax advisor or financial professional to understand the implications of tax-loss harvesting on their specific tax situation. Vaultis Private Wealth does not guarantee any specific tax savings or investment outcomes. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Please be aware that the IRS "wash sale" rule may limit the ability to claim tax losses if a substantially identical security is purchased within 30 days before or after the sale. It is important to adhere to this rule to ensure compliance. For personalized advice tailored to your financial situation, please contact a qualified financial advisor.