Retirement Accounts Guide

The Sunset API helps you manage inherited retirement accounts including IRAs, 401(k)s, pensions, and TSP accounts. This guide covers the typical workflow from discovery through distribution.

API Path

/cases/{case_id}/retirement-accounts
/cases/{case_id}/retirement-accounts/{account_id}

Typical Workflow

1. Add discovered retirement accounts

Record accounts as they are identified:

curl -X POST "https://api.example.com/v1/cases/{case_id}/retirement-accounts" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "account_type": "401k",
    "custodian_name": "Fidelity Investments",
    "account_number": "Z99-876543",
    "status": "active",
    "balance": 185000.00,
    "employer_name": "Acme Corporation",
    "tax_treatment": "pre_tax",
    "rmd_required": false,
    "beneficiaries": [
      {
        "name": "John Johnson",
        "relationship": "spouse",
        "percentage_share": 100,
        "designation": "primary"
      }
    ]
  }'

2. Record distribution options

Update the account with available distribution methods:

curl -X PATCH "https://api.example.com/v1/cases/{case_id}/retirement-accounts/{account_id}" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "distribution_options": ["rollover_to_inherited_ira", "lump_sum", "life_expectancy"],
    "distribution_status": "in_progress"
  }'

3. Track distribution completion

curl -X PATCH "https://api.example.com/v1/cases/{case_id}/retirement-accounts/{account_id}" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "distribution_status": "completed",
    "status": "distributed",
    "notes": "Rolled over to inherited IRA at Fidelity - account #INH-123456"
  }'

Account Types

Type	Description
`traditional_ira`	Traditional IRA (pre-tax contributions)
`roth_ira`	Roth IRA (post-tax contributions)
`401k`	Employer-sponsored 401(k)
`403b`	403(b) for nonprofits/education
`457`	457 deferred compensation plan
`sep_ira`	Simplified Employee Pension IRA
`simple_ira`	SIMPLE IRA for small employers
`pension`	Defined benefit pension
`tsp`	Thrift Savings Plan (federal employees)
`military_pension`	Military retirement pension
`inherited_ira`	Previously inherited IRA
`other`	Other retirement account

Distribution Options

Option	Description
`lump_sum`	One-time full distribution
`rollover_to_inherited_ira`	Roll into an inherited IRA
`periodic_payments`	Scheduled periodic withdrawals
`five_year_rule`	Distribute within 5 years
`life_expectancy`	Stretch distributions over beneficiary’s life expectancy

Key Considerations

Beneficiary designations override the will for retirement accounts. Named beneficiaries receive funds directly.
Spousal beneficiaries have the unique option to roll the account into their own IRA or treat it as their own.
Non-spouse beneficiaries under the SECURE Act generally must distribute inherited IRAs within 10 years.
RMDs (Required Minimum Distributions) may be required in the year of death if the deceased was over 73.
Tax implications vary significantly by account type. Traditional/pre-tax distributions are taxable income; Roth distributions are generally tax-free.
Pensions may offer survivor benefits depending on the election made at retirement.

Getting Started

Guides

Retirement Accounts Guide

Retirement Accounts Guide

API Path

Typical Workflow

1. Add discovered retirement accounts

2. Record distribution options

3. Track distribution completion

Account Types

Distribution Options

Key Considerations

​Retirement Accounts Guide

​API Path

​Typical Workflow

​1. Add discovered retirement accounts

​2. Record distribution options

​3. Track distribution completion

​Account Types

​Distribution Options

​Key Considerations

Retirement Accounts Guide

API Path

Typical Workflow

1. Add discovered retirement accounts

2. Record distribution options

3. Track distribution completion

Account Types

Distribution Options

Key Considerations