RFG University How to Divide Your IRA Among Multiple Heirs If you’re planning a legacy for more than one heir – perhaps your spouse, children, or grandchildren – naming multiple IRA beneficiaries is a smart starting point. However, without careful strategy, it can lead to disputes, tax inefficiencies, and forced distributions that diminish your intended gift. The solution is straightforward: follow key IRS timelines and structures to ensure each beneficiary receives their share efficiently and with optimal tax treatment. Why Name Multiple IRA Beneficiaries? This approach lets your IRA assets flow directly to several individuals or entities, bypassing probate and avoiding the need for separate accounts during your lifetime. It’s efficient – until deadlines come into play. Multiple beneficiaries are defined once you list more than one. That’s your cue to plan ahead. September 30 of the year following your death is when the IRS determines your designated beneficiaries – those eligible for extended distribution options like life expectancy stretches or 10-year periods. Non-designated beneficiaries (such as estates, charities, or non-qualifying trusts) must be fully distributed before this date to protect the others’ benefits. Read the full article here Watch the video summary here