The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act, signed into law in December 2019, brought significant changes to retirement planning. For special needs attorneys, these changes have profound implications on how we structure and manage trusts for beneficiaries with disabilities.
Key Changes Introduced by the SECURE Act
Prior to the SECURE Act, beneficiaries of inherited IRAs could stretch distributions over their life expectancy. This strategy allowed for extended tax-deferred growth and potentially lower tax brackets for distributions. The SECURE Act eliminated this option for most non-spouse beneficiaries, including many special needs trusts.
The Act introduced a new 10-year distribution rule for most non-spouse beneficiaries. Under this rule, the entire balance of an inherited IRA must be distributed by the end of the tenth calendar year following the year of the account owner’s death. This compressed timeframe can lead to larger distributions and potentially higher tax burdens.
As we navigate the new terrain of SECURE Act and regulations, it’s crucial to remember that the fundamental goals of special needs planning remain unchanged: to provide financial security, maintain eligibility for government benefits, and enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. The SECURE Act has not altered these objectives but changed the tools and strategies we use to achieve them.
In this evolving legal and financial landscape, adaptability is key. Special needs attorneys must remain proactive, continuously educate themselves and their clients, and be willing to embrace new planning techniques. By doing so, we can ensure that we continue to serve our clients effectively, helping them secure a stable and fulfilling future for their loved ones with special needs.