A Special Deduction
Don't miss this easily overlooked deduction: estate taxes paid on an inherited traditional IRA.
If you withdrew funds in 2007 from a traditional IRA you inherited, you might deserve a special tax deduction. You qualify if the person from whom you inherited the account had an estate large enough to trigger the federal estate tax.
Say you inherited a $50,000 IRA, which, because it was included in your mother's taxable estate, boosted the estate tax bill by $20,500. Although you have to pay tax as you pull money out of the IRA, you also get an income tax deduction for that $20,500.
If you pulled the full $50,000 out in 2005, you get the full deduction on your 2005 return. If you withdrew just $25,000 last year, you deduct just half of the estate tax bill attributable to the IRA: $10,250 in this example.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
This miscellaneous deduction for federal estate tax on "income in respect of a decedent" is taken on line 28 of Schedule A. It is not subject to the 2% rule that limits the deduction of most other miscellaneous expenses.
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
-
Stock Market Today: Nasdaq Leads Monday With Its 190-Point Gain
Market participants took a glass-half-full approach to Trump's latest tariff news.
By Karee Venema Published
-
Like the Penny, These 6 Things Retirees Grew Up With Are Going Away or Are Gone
President Trump wants to cancel the penny, but that's not the only item going away.
By Donna Fuscaldo Published
-
Retire in Costa Rica With These Three Tax Benefits
Retirement Taxes Costa Rica may be a good place for retirement if you like the low cost of living and savings for your heirs.
By Kate Schubel Published
-
Ten IRS Audit Red Flags for Self-Employed Individuals
IRS Audits Taxpayers who file Schedule C with their Form 1040 have a greater chance of an IRS audit.
By Joy Taylor Published
-
Trump Wants You Out of the IRS, But You'll Have to Wait Until May
IRS Some IRS employees won’t be able to resign using the buyout offer until the end of tax season.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
-
Are Tips Taxable in 2025? Understanding the IRS Rules
Taxable Income With all the recent talk about ending federal taxes on tips, some wonder whether tips are taxable income.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
-
Key Family Tax Breaks Are on the GOP Chopping Block This Year
Tax Credits Several tax breaks, including the Child Tax Credit, may face reforms or be cut entirely as lawmakers seek revenue for Trump’s tax plans.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
-
What's Going on With New Jersey Property Tax Programs?
Property Tax ANCHOR and ‘Senior Freeze’ just got a refresh, and there’s a new program: Stay NJ. Learn how to save on New Jersey property taxes.
By Kate Schubel Published
-
States That Won't Tax Your Retirement Income in 2025
Retirement Taxes Several states don’t tax Social Security benefits, 401(k)s, IRAs, and pensions. But you may still have to pay state taxes on some incomes.
By Kate Schubel Published
-
Navigating 1099s: A Guide to All 22 IRS Tax Forms to Know
Tax Filing You should receive your 1099 form by February 15. But what happens next?
By Kate Schubel Published