For most people, retirement accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s represent a lifetime of careful saving and investing. These accounts are often major assets within an estate, and they play a key role in how wealth is passed on to loved ones. However, few people realize how complex the rules are for what happens to these funds after death, or how many layers of taxation can apply. Without proper estate planning, a large portion of your retirement savings could be lost to federal and state taxes be...
