During a participant’s lifetime, required minimum distributions (“RMDs”) from a defined contribution plan are relatively small in size.  Less favorable treatment may apply after the participant’s death, depending on the distribution options offered by the plan, the form of distribution elected by the participant, the age of the beneficiary and the relationship between the participant and the beneficiary.

Surviving spouses can take advantage of a special rule that permits them to create spousal rollover IRAs, which effectively allow the surviving spouse to treat the benefit as if he or she was a participant in the plan.  This treatment allows the surviving spouse to elect a longer payout and to designate a beneficiary who may also be eligible for an extended distribution period.Continue Reading Reducing Required Minimum Distributions from a Defined Contribution Plan: The Spousal Rollover IRA