An IRA is a contract with the company that holds it, so the beneficiary form controls and your will does not. A surviving spouse who is the sole beneficiary generally has the most flexibility, including treating the account as their own. Most other individual beneficiaries must withdraw the full balance within ten years of the owner's death, with exceptions for certain people, such as minor children and people with disabilities. Naming your estate, or no one, can limit those options. A short review of your form can prevent costly surprises.
