Determine the type of inherited IRA
Identify the beneficiary category
Check whether the original account owner died before or after their required beginning date
Use the applicable IRS distribution rules for the beneficiary type
For a spouse beneficiary, decide whether to treat the IRA as your own or as an inherited IRA
For a non-spouse beneficiary subject to the 10-year rule, calculate whether annual RMDs are required during years 1 through 9
For an eligible designated beneficiary, use the single life expectancy table
Find the beneficiary’s life expectancy factor from the IRS table for the first distribution year
Subtract 1 from the prior year’s factor for each subsequent year
Divide the prior year-end account balance by the applicable life expectancy factor
Use the account balance as of December 31 of the previous year
Apply the calculation separately to each inherited IRA
Take the first RMD by December 31 of the first required year, if applicable
Ensure the final distribution deadline is met for the applicable rule
Recalculate each year using the updated prior year-end balance and reduced factor
Verify whether multiple inherited IRAs can be aggregated for distribution purposes
Confirm current IRS rules or consult a tax professional for the exact calculation method