How Does The Inherited IRA 10-YEAR Rule Work?

The WWM Financial Podcast · Sep 24, 2026 · 20m

⏱ Inherited IRA 10-Year Rule: 9:13–12:19

Inheriting an IRA can come with more questions than expected—especially when the 10-year rule enters the picture. Do you have to take distributions every year? Should you wait? And could the timing of those withdrawals create a bigger tax bill?

In this episode, the WWM Financial team breaks down the Inherited IRA 10-Year Rule and why those ten years shouldn't simply be viewed as a countdown. For many non-spouse beneficiaries, the account generally must be emptied by the end of the tenth year—but when you recognize that taxable income can matter just as…