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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.

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API Path

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

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Typical Workflow

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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"
      }
    ]
  }'

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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"
  }'

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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"
  }'

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Account Types

TypeDescription
traditional_iraTraditional IRA (pre-tax contributions)
roth_iraRoth IRA (post-tax contributions)
401kEmployer-sponsored 401(k)
403b403(b) for nonprofits/education
457457 deferred compensation plan
sep_iraSimplified Employee Pension IRA
simple_iraSIMPLE IRA for small employers
pensionDefined benefit pension
tspThrift Savings Plan (federal employees)
military_pensionMilitary retirement pension
inherited_iraPreviously inherited IRA
otherOther retirement account

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Distribution Options

OptionDescription
lump_sumOne-time full distribution
rollover_to_inherited_iraRoll into an inherited IRA
periodic_paymentsScheduled periodic withdrawals
five_year_ruleDistribute within 5 years
life_expectancyStretch distributions over beneficiary’s life expectancy

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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.