How to Transfer a 401(k) or IRA After a Death | Honorly
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS

How to Transfer a 401(k) or IRA After a Death

Updated September 2026

Retirement accounts usually pass by beneficiary designation, not by the will. Who inherits and what options they have depends on the account type and the beneficiary's relationship to the person who died. This guide explains how these accounts transfer and what to watch for.

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QUICK ANSWER

Most 401(k)s and IRAs have a named beneficiary and pass directly to that person, outside probate. A surviving spouse often has the option to roll the account over; other beneficiaries typically open an inherited account with its own distribution rules. If no beneficiary is named, the account may pass to the estate. Distributions are usually taxable, so coordinate with a CPA.

AT A GLANCE
Who can handle it The named beneficiary; a surviving spouse; or the executor if the account is payable to the estate
Documents you may need Certified death certificate, beneficiary claim forms, photo ID, and court letters if payable to the estate
Does it require probate? Usually not — beneficiary designations control
What happens to the funds? Rolled over by a spouse, moved to an inherited account, paid as a lump sum, or paid to the estate
WHAT'S INVOLVED

How do you handle a retirement account after someone dies?

  1. 01
    Locate the accounts and plan documents
    Look for 401(k), 403(b), IRA, and pension-linked accounts across current and former employers. Statements, tax forms, and plan letters help identify them.
  2. 02
    Identify the beneficiary designations
    The beneficiary form on file with the plan or custodian usually controls who inherits, even over what the will says. Request a copy from the plan administrator.
  3. 03
    Contact each plan administrator or custodian
    Notify them of the death and ask for the claim forms and required documents for a beneficiary or estate claim.
  4. 04
    Understand the options
    A surviving spouse can often roll the account into their own IRA. A non-spouse beneficiary typically opens an inherited IRA with specific distribution deadlines. Because these choices affect taxes, coordinate with a CPA or financial advisor before deciding.
  5. 05
    Submit the claim
    File the beneficiary or estate claim with a certified death certificate and the requested forms, then choose the payout or transfer option.
  6. 06
    Keep a record
    Save confirmations and tax forms (such as a 1099-R) for the estate and for the beneficiary's own tax filing.
HOW HONORLY HELPS

How does Honorly help?

We locate the accounts, request beneficiary designations and claim forms, submit the paperwork with the death certificate, and follow each claim to completion — coordinating with your CPA or financial advisor on the tax side.

You make the decisions. We handle the calls, forms, and follow-ups.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently asked questions about retirement accounts

Does a 401(k) or IRA go through probate?

Usually not. These accounts pass by beneficiary designation directly to the named person. They only fall into the estate — and possibly probate — when no valid beneficiary is named.

Does the beneficiary form override the will?

Generally yes. The beneficiary designation on file with the plan usually controls who inherits the account, even if the will says something different.

Are inherited retirement funds taxed?

Distributions from traditional retirement accounts are generally taxable income to the person who receives them, and inherited accounts have specific withdrawal rules. A CPA or financial advisor can help plan the timing.

About Honorly

Let us handle it.

Honorly is an estate settlement service that handles the administrative, financial, and legal tasks that follow a loved one's passing, so families aren't left to figure everything out alone.

We handle the calls, paperwork, and follow-ups that come after a loss, so your family can focus on each other.

Talk to our team