Normally, heirs get to take distributions from inherited IRAs over their lifetimes. But if just one beneficiary of the account isn't an individual person, the IRA has to be distributed within 5 years for all beneficiaries. The problem can occur when a decedent names a charity or college as one of the beneficiaries. Tax Planning Tip: The IRS allows the individual beneficiaries to take distributions over their lifetime (enjoying tax free earnings growth) as long as the charity, school, etc. is paid off by September 30 of the year following the death of the IRA owner.