Retirement & Tax Planning Answers
Estate Planning
A large pre-tax IRA is a tax problem waiting to transfer. These answers cover inherited IRAs, the SECURE Act 10-year rule, step-up in basis, trusts, and surviving-spouse planning — the structure that decides how efficiently wealth passes to the next generation.
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13 answers in Estate Planning
What Happens to My IRA When I Die? Inherited IRA Rules Explained
When you die, your IRA passes directly to the beneficiaries named on your account — bypassing probate entirely.
What Is a Step-Up in Basis and How Does It Affect Inherited Assets?
A step-up in basis is a tax provision that resets the cost basis of an inherited asset to its fair market value on the date of the original owner's death.
How Do Arizona's Rules for Inherited IRAs Differ From Federal Law?
The SECURE Act of 2019 significantly changed the rules for inherited IRAs, but not all states have aligned their tax code with the new federal law.
Arizona Community Property Rules and What They Mean for Retirement Planning
Arizona's community property double step-up in basis can eliminate six figures in capital gains tax for retiring couples — but only if accounts are titled correctly.
Do You Need a Revocable Living Trust in Arizona?
For Arizona households with $3M+ in assets, a blended family, or significant taxable gains, a revocable living trust can be worth far more than its cost — but only if it is properly funded.
How the SECURE Act 10-Year Rule Will Affect Your Heirs' Tax Bill -- And What to Do About It Now
The SECURE Act eliminated the stretch IRA for most adult beneficiaries. On a $1.4M inherited pre-tax IRA, the combined federal and state tax bill can exceed $400,000. Here is what to do before that happens.
Should I Give Money to My Adult Children While I'm Still Alive?
The financial answer to 'can I help' and the emotional answer to 'should I help' are different questions. Both deserve real thought.
Does Arizona Have an Estate or Inheritance Tax?
No — Arizona has no estate, inheritance, or gift tax. The tax that actually hits Arizona heirs is federal income tax, and it is plannable.
Should Your Kids Inherit Your Roth IRA or Traditional IRA?
Your kids will likely inherit during their peak earning years. That makes Roth-vs-traditional a bracket arbitrage decision, not a guess.
What Happens to Your Spouse's IRA When They Die?
Surviving spouses get options no other heir has — roll it over, stay a beneficiary, or elect special RMD treatment. Choosing wrong is expensive.
Does a Beneficiary Designation Override a Will in Arizona?
Yes — in Arizona, beneficiary designations beat your will every time. Most estate plans fail on this paperwork, not in the documents.
Should You Name a Charity as Your IRA Beneficiary?
If you're giving anything to charity at death, give the pre-tax IRA. Charities skip the income tax your kids would owe on every dollar.
Does the State Your Heirs Live In Affect Inheritance Taxes?
Your heirs' state can't levy an inheritance tax — but it sets the income tax on every inherited IRA dollar. California kids change the math.
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