# Siblings Inherit Same IRA, Different Rules

> Two siblings inherit identical $200,000 IRAs from same sister who died at 65. One must empty it in 10 years, the other stretches withdrawals decades.
- Title: Siblings Inherit Same IRA, Different Rules · 24/7 Wall St.
- Summary: Two siblings inherit identical $200,000 IRAs from same sister who died at 65. One must empty it in 10 years, the other stretches withdrawals decades. A…
- Keywords: ira, sibling, inherited, tax, secure act, retirement, beneficiary, decade, Siblings, Inherit, Same, Different
- Source: 24/7 Wall St. — https://247wallst.com/personal-finance/2026/09/22/she-inherited-her-sisters-200000-ira-at-61-their-younger-brother-inherited-the-same-amount-at-48-only-one-of-them-has-to-empty-it-in-10-years
- Author: David Beren
- Published: 2026-09-22T21:34:45+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ira, sibling, inherited, tax, secure act, retirement, beneficiary, decade
## Inherited IRAs
Two siblings inherit identical $200,000 traditional IRAs from same sister who died at 65.
## Age-Based Rule
The 61-year-old sister can spread withdrawals across her life expectancy, but the 48-year-old brother must drain the account within 10 years.
## SECURE Act Rule
The SECURE Act of 2019 ended stretch IRA for non-spouse beneficiaries, requiring emptying within 10 years unless eligible.
## Eligible Beneficiaries
Five categories qualify: surviving spouse, minor child, disabled individual, chronically ill person, or beneficiary under 10 years younger than decedent.
## Siblings Rule
The deceased sister was 65. Her 61-year-old sister is four years younger and qualifies, but her 48-year-old brother is 17 years younger and does not.
## Tax Impact
The 48-year-old brother faces higher federal tax brackets and IRMAA surcharges during peak earning years from draining $200,000 over a decade.
## Edge Cases
Minor children get life expectancy treatment until age 18, disabled or chronically ill beneficiaries keep stretch, and non-spouse beneficiaries face 25% penalty for missed distributions.
## Beneficiary Review
Account owners should review beneficiary designations to ensure no heirs are more than 10 years younger than the decedent.
## Key takeaway

A 61-year-old sister inherits a $200,000 IRA from her sister who died at 65, while her 48-year-old brother inherits the same amount but must drain it within 10 years.