# Inherit Father's IRA at 60, Try Roth Conversion to Stop Ten-Year Clock

> 60-year-old inherits $250,000 IRA but custodian blocks Roth conversion to avoid ten-year clock.
- Title: Inherit Father's IRA at 60, Try Roth Conversion to Stop…
- Summary: 60-year-old inherits $250,000 IRA but custodian blocks Roth conversion to avoid ten-year clock. A 60-year-old heir cannot convert an inherited traditional…
- Keywords: inherited ira, roth conversion, custodian, ten-year clock, required minimum distribution, ira beneficiary, tax rules, traditional ira, inherited roth ira, taxable income, Inherit, Father's
- Source: 24/7 Wall St. — https://247wallst.com/personal-finance/2026/10/13/inherit-a-fathers-250000-ira-at-60-and-try-to-convert-it-to-a-roth-to-stop-the-ten-year-clock-and-the-custodian-says-no
- Author: David Beren
- Published: 2026-10-13T17:09:32+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: inherited ira, roth conversion, custodian, ten-year clock, required minimum distribution, ira beneficiary, tax rules, traditional ira, inherited roth ira, taxable income
## Inherited IRA at 60
A 60-year-old inherits their father's $250,000 traditional IRA.
## Custodian Blocks Roth Conversion
The custodian says no to converting the inherited IRA to a Roth IRA to skip the ten-year clock.
## Why Conversion Is Blocked
Non-spouse beneficiaries cannot convert inherited traditional IRAs to inherited Roth IRAs under tax rules.
## Employer Plan Opens Window
If money is in a 401(k), a direct rollover to an inherited Roth IRA is possible with tax due that year.
## RMDs Start After 2020
Heirs must take annual required minimum distributions starting in year one after the owner's death.
## Exceptions to Ten-Year Clock
Eligible designated beneficiaries like minors or disabled heirs avoid the ten-year rule with lifetime withdrawals.
## Tax Impact of Timing
Tax savings come from spreading withdrawals over years after retirement to stay in lower tax brackets.
## Medicare and Social Security Rules
Medicare premiums and Social Security taxes apply based on inherited IRA withdrawals.
## Mistakes That Make It Worse
Mixing inherited IRA with personal IRA triggers 25% excise tax on missed RMDs.
## What to Do Next
Check if money is in an employer plan before attempting a rollover to an inherited Roth IRA.
## Key takeaway

A 60-year-old heir cannot convert an inherited traditional IRA to a Roth IRA to skip the ten-year withdrawal deadline, as tax rules require annual withdrawals for non-spouse beneficiaries.