Whether you’re wealthy or earn a
modest income, there is one estate planning concern that is shared by people
from all walks of life—the decision of who gets what when you’re gone. While
some individuals logically assume that a will is the only official forum to
express such decisions, that’s not always the case. Often, an equally important
issue in estate planning is who to name as beneficiary on life insurance
policies, employer-sponsored retirement plan accounts and IRAs.
No matter who is designated, the
beneficiaries will receive the death benefit proceeds income tax free. Unlike
property disposed of in a will, if the beneficiary designation form is properly
completed, insurance proceeds do not go through probate.
For many married individuals, a spouse will be the most logical beneficiary. A trust may be a prudent beneficiary choice, however, if a surviving spouse would not have the ability to prudently manage a large sum of money. The trustees (often a legal entity rather than an individual) would then take charge of managing, investing and disbursing the policy proceeds for the benefit of the surviving spouse.
Be sure to name contingent or secondary beneficiaries. This means that if the primary beneficiary has died, the insurance proceeds will go to an individual or trust. If there are no surviving beneficiaries, then your beneficiary is generally the “estate of the insured,” which means the death benefits end up being probated and ultimately distributed according to the instructions of the decedent’s last will and testament. If an individual dies without a valid will (intestate), then the order of legal beneficiaries to whom assets are distributed is specified by that state’s law.
For many married individuals, a spouse will be the most logical beneficiary. A trust may be a prudent beneficiary choice, however, if a surviving spouse would not have the ability to prudently manage a large sum of money. The trustees (often a legal entity rather than an individual) would then take charge of managing, investing and disbursing the policy proceeds for the benefit of the surviving spouse.
Be sure to name contingent or secondary beneficiaries. This means that if the primary beneficiary has died, the insurance proceeds will go to an individual or trust. If there are no surviving beneficiaries, then your beneficiary is generally the “estate of the insured,” which means the death benefits end up being probated and ultimately distributed according to the instructions of the decedent’s last will and testament. If an individual dies without a valid will (intestate), then the order of legal beneficiaries to whom assets are distributed is specified by that state’s law.
Employer-Sponsored
Retirement Plans and IRAs
The law requires that a spouse be
the primary beneficiary of a 401(k) or profit sharing account unless he or she
waives that right in writing. A waiver may make sense in a second marriage—if a
new spouse is already financially set or if children from a first marriage are
more likely to need the money.
Single people can name whomever they choose as beneficiary, and nonspouse beneficiaries are now eligible for a tax-free transfer to an Individual Retirement Account. The IRS has also issued regulations that dramatically simplify the way certain distributions affect IRA owners and their beneficiaries. Consult your tax advisor on how these rule changes may affect your situation.
Single people can name whomever they choose as beneficiary, and nonspouse beneficiaries are now eligible for a tax-free transfer to an Individual Retirement Account. The IRS has also issued regulations that dramatically simplify the way certain distributions affect IRA owners and their beneficiaries. Consult your tax advisor on how these rule changes may affect your situation.
Naming children as beneficiaries may
cause unforeseen problems. For example, insurance companies, pension plans and
retirement accounts may not pay death benefits to minors. The benefits would
likely be held until they could be made to a court-approved guardian or trustee
of a children’s trust. A guardian, trust or trustee should be named beneficiary
to ensure competent management of the proceeds for the children. By naming a
children’s trust as a beneficiary, for example, the proceeds could be invested
and managed by a competent trustee (a person or institution) you choose. A
revocable living trust could also be named as a beneficiary, which keeps the
proceeds out of probate.
Also keep in mind that the IRS allows nonspousal beneficiaries to annuitize retirement plan distributions over the life of the beneficiary. Check with your employer to find out if this is an option under your plan prior to naming a child as a beneficiary. A competent financial professional and tax advisor can also offer guidance as to whether this action may be appropriate for you.
Also keep in mind that the IRS allows nonspousal beneficiaries to annuitize retirement plan distributions over the life of the beneficiary. Check with your employer to find out if this is an option under your plan prior to naming a child as a beneficiary. A competent financial professional and tax advisor can also offer guidance as to whether this action may be appropriate for you.
When completing overall estate plans
and wills, it is imperative to readjust all beneficiary designations so that
your estate plan accurately reflects your intentions. Remember, outdated
beneficiary designations (e.g., older parents or ex-spouses) could misdirect
the intended flow of an entire estate unless changed now.
Also, keep in mind that beneficiaries are paid directly as named. Thus, beneficiary designations are not governed by the wording of wills.
As is always the case with estate planning, consult with qualified professionals concerning your particular situation in order to ensure that your beneficiary designations are in tune with your goals.
Also, keep in mind that beneficiaries are paid directly as named. Thus, beneficiary designations are not governed by the wording of wills.
As is always the case with estate planning, consult with qualified professionals concerning your particular situation in order to ensure that your beneficiary designations are in tune with your goals.
When
Naming Beneficiaries, Remember to Consider …
· The age of
the beneficiary. Many policies and plans will not
directly transfer assets to minors until a trustee or guardian is approved by a
court.
· The
ability of the beneficiary to manage assets.
Perhaps a trust set up in the person’s name would be better than a direct
transfer.
· Employer-sponsored
retirement plans. Unless expressly waived by the
spouse in writing, the law requires a spouse to be the primary beneficiary of
the account.
· Naming
contingent beneficiaries. Should
something happen to your primary beneficiary, the contingent beneficiary would
receive your assets.
This
article was prepared by McGraw-Hill Financial Communications and is not
intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations for any
individual. Consult your financial advisor or me if you have any questions.
