The SECURE Act and follow-up IRS guidance turned retirement plan distribution rules on their head’especially when trusts are involved. Trusts are still a popular way to pass on IRAs and other retirement assets, but the tax treatment and distribution rules today look very different from the old playbook. In this course, we’ll unpack the new landscape step by step. You’ll get clear on the categories of beneficiaries, the common types of trusts used, and how distributions are actually reported. With practical examples and straightforward analysis, you’ll walk away ready to: Evaluate beneficiary designations with confidence Spot tax consequences before they cause surprises Anticipate and navigate planning challenges under current law
Learning Objectives
• Recognize categories of retirement plan beneficiaries
• Identify the types of trusts used and their tax characteristics
• Determine how retirement distributions are reported by various types of beneficiary trusts
Major Topics
• What is the significance of the retirement plan beneficiary
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• Primary vs. contingent beneficiaries
• Is a trust a
• designated beneficiary
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• Why do people want to name a trust as the beneficiary
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• Income tax aspects of trusts as beneficiary
• What happens when the trust beneficiary dies
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