new minimum distribution rules- separate accounts

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The new proposed minimum distribution rules continue the old rule that separate accounts can be established within an IRA, and the required distributions determined separately for each separate account. There are, however, some language changes delaing mostly with timing.

For example, for death payments prior to the required beginning date, the date for determining if separate accounts exist is the last day of the year following the year of death.

My understanding of the prior rules was that only the IRA owner could establish the separate accounts. Ie, the beneficiaries themselves could not do so after the participant's death.

I have seen some commentaries suggesting that now the beneficiaries can establish the separate accounts during the one year + post death period. I doubt this is correct. Has anyone seen any clarifying discussion of this change?

thanks-

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