The 10-year rule requires most non-spouse beneficiaries to fully distribute an inherited retirement account within 10 years of the owner's death.
Key deadline
The account must be completely empty by December 31 of the 10th anniversary year of the owner's death.
Annual RMDs under the 10-year rule
If the original owner had already started RMDs before death, you must also take annual RMDs each year using the Single Life Expectancy Table (Table I), in addition to meeting the 10-year deadline.
If the owner died before their required beginning date, there are no annual RMDs — you simply must empty the account by the 10-year deadline.
EDB exception
Eligible designated beneficiaries can elect the 10-year rule instead of life expectancy stretch, but are not required to use it.