What is a spousal rollover of a retirement account?

What this usually means

Rolling an inherited retirement account into your own IRA. This allows you to defer required minimum distributions until your own RMD age, choose your own beneficiaries, and continue tax-deferred growth. It is generally the most tax-advantaged option for most surviving spouses — but there are exceptions if you need the money before age 59½.

What to do next

• Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
• Find California county help for coroner contacts, vital records, cost tools, and paperwork.
• Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
• Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.

Related questions

• How do I claim my spouse's pension?
• What if my spouse chose a pension option with no survivor benefit?
• How do I claim their 401k or IRA as a surviving spouse?
• What if I was not named as beneficiary on their retirement account?
• What about their Roth IRA?