Can A Roth IRA Have A Beneficiary?

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October 31, 2014

David Pipes

There are many programs that are qualified retirement plans known as Roth IRAs. I am not sure that each will allow designation of a beneficiary. There are certain funding vehicles that include beneficiary designations, an annuity being one. Regardless, upon death if the proceeds have not passed by beneficiary they will still go to the heirs by will or probate.
October 31, 2014

Karl Renwanz

Yes, a Roth IRA can have a beneficiary. If your spouse is the beneficiary of your IRA, they can treat the Roth IRA as their own. If your beneficiary is other than your spouse, that person must take Roth IRA distributions by the end of the year containing the 5th anniversary of your death or over the life expectancy of the beneficiary, starting no later than December 31 of the year following your death.

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