How to Avoid Tax Mistakes When You Receive an Inheritance
By Douglas Goldstein, CFP®
When receiving an inheritance, it’s important to avoid making tax mistakes. Certain tactics, such as opening a U.S. brokerage account (see below for an interactive tool) can help. Watch out for these mistakes:
Mistake #1 – Taking money out of an IRA
To maintain the tax-deferred status of an inherited IRA (Individual Retirement Account), the money must remain in a specially titled account. As an heir, you can transfer the IRA into a “beneficiary IRA” (a.k.a. “stretch IRA”) and not pay taxes on the account’s capital growth until money is withdrawn. Transferring the money overseas jeopardizes the tax beneficial status. As many overseas bankers and investment advisors may not know this crucial piece of information, work with professionals who are well-versed in cross-border investing and tax law.
Mistake #2 – Choosing the wrong investments for an IRA
The IRS allows U.S. citizens not to pay capital gains tax (or tax on interest and dividends) when they sell stocks for a profit inside an IRA. Since you don’t pay capital gains tax on profits, your growth is compounded, because you’re not giving a piece away every year to the government. Generally, annuities, municipal bonds, and other tax-advantageous investments should not be part of an IRA.
Mistake #3 – Not strategizing for estate tax
American citizens who bequeath their estates to their American children are exempt from estate tax if the estate (as of 2015) is under $5.4 million. If you think your future inheritance will be above that amount, strategize with your investment advisor and tax professional to minimize potential taxes. If you live in a different country than your beneficiary, make sure that your strategy includes avoiding tax mistakes.
If you think you might inherit an American IRA, use this free interactive tool to help you realize why opening a U.S. brokerage IRA account may be a good tax saving strategy. Try it at www.Profile-Financial.com/Interactive and then call our office with questions (02-624-2788).
Doug Goldstein, CFP® is the director of Profile Investment Services, Ltd., a firm that specializes in cross-border investing and helping people open U.S. brokerage accounts from overseas. He is a licensed financial advisor both in America and Israel, and does not give tax advice. Securities offered through Portfolio Resources Group, Inc., Member FINRA, SIPC, MSRB, FSI. The opinions expressed are those of the author and not those of Portfolio Resources Group, Inc. or its affiliates. Call 02-624-2788 for a consultation about handling your U.S. investments from Israel.