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Taxes After Receiving an Inheritance

Inherited assets usually get a stepped-up basis. Inherited IRAs follow the 10-year rule for most beneficiaries post-SECURE Act.

Katie Gorles
Written by
Katie Gorles
Updated April 22, 2026

Step-up basis

Inherited property gets a basis equal to fair market value on the date of death. If you later sell, gain is calculated from that stepped-up basis, not the decedent's original cost.

Inherited IRAs

Post-SECURE Act (2020+), non-spouse beneficiaries must empty inherited traditional IRAs within 10 years. Spouses can roll to their own IRA. Planning the distribution pattern across the 10 years saves significant tax.

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Common questions

Is my inheritance taxable?
Usually no. Federal inheritance isn't taxed to the recipient. Income earned after inheritance (interest, dividends, rent) is taxable to you going forward.

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