Inherited IRA 10-Year Rule Calculator
Plan withdrawals from an inherited IRA over 10 years and compare the tax of three strategies.
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How to do it
- 1Step 1: Open Inherited IRA 10-Year Rule Calculator and add your input
Type your numbers or text, add your file, or pick the options you need. Nothing is uploaded: everything stays in your browser.
- 2Step 2: What Inherited IRA 10-Year Rule Calculator does
Plan withdrawals from an inherited IRA over 10 years and compare the tax of three strategies.
- 3Step 3: Read the result and compare
The result appears at once. Change one value to see how the answer moves, then keep the figure that fits your case.
- 4Step 4: Copy or save it
Copy the result or download it. For an important decision, confirm it with the official source or an adviser.
About this tool
Enter the inherited balance, the expected return, your other taxable income and a withdrawal plan. The tool shows a table of withdrawals, tax and balance for each of the ten years and compares the total tax of taking equal amounts, waiting until the tenth year or taking an equal share of the balance each year.
The 10-year rule
Most non-spouse beneficiaries who inherit an IRA must empty it by the end of the tenth year after the year of death. If the original owner had already started required distributions, annual withdrawals are also required in years 1 to 9 (based on the beneficiary's life expectancy), which this tool does not model.
Strategies compared
Equal amounts spread income evenly. Waiting until year 10 lets money grow but puts everything into one tax year, often at a much higher rate. Taking an equal share of the remaining balance each year starts with 1/10th and ends with the whole rest.
Tax
Tax is the extra federal income tax each withdrawal causes on top of your other taxable income (after the standard deduction). State tax and spouse or eligible designated beneficiary rules are not included.
Worked example
$400,000 inherited with a 6% return and $90,000 of other income, single, 2026: taking everything in year 10 costs about $237,400 in federal tax, equal yearly amounts about $124,100 and an equal share of the balance each year about $127,800.
Tips for best results
Check every box before you rely on a result, because one wrong digit changes the whole answer. Use the exact figures from your payslip, bill, certificate or contract, and keep a note of the date you calculated. Rates, thresholds and rules change from time to time, so for tax, fees and legal matters treat the output as an estimate and confirm with the official source named on this page. You can run as many scenarios as you like; nothing is saved or sent, and refreshing the page clears the boxes.
Quick facts
- Category: UK & US
- Works in your browser, no sign-up, no upload.
- Your input stays on your device.
- Available in English.
- Content last reviewed:
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to take money every year?
If the original owner had started required distributions, yes. If not, you may wait until year 10.
What are the three plans?
Equal level amounts that empty the account, everything at the end, or one tenth, then one ninth, and so on of the balance each year.
Who is exempt from the 10-year rule?
Spouses, minor children of the owner, disabled or chronically ill people and those not more than 10 years younger than the owner can stretch over their lifetime.
Is a Roth inherited IRA different?
The 10-year rule still applies, but withdrawals are not taxed, so waiting until year 10 is usually best.