One of the best features of the new rules is that all named heirs now have until Dec. 31 of the year after the owner dies to arrange the IRA so as to provide the longest stretchout of distributions of tax-deferred assets.

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Either way, the assets grow tax-deferred and withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income, not capital gain.

FORBES: IRA Tips and Traps

The breach of fiduciary duty allegations stem from the fact that the Plan assets are invested in a tax deferred variable annuity.

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While the assets are inside the trust, they grow tax deferred.

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In earlier research, Mr. Mahaney highlighted another benefit to deferring benefits until later: If you expect much of your retirement income to come from tax-deferred savings, you might be better off using those assets first and delaying all, or a large chunk, of your Social Security.

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