Seven tactical questions to ask when planning to pass on your bitcoin

Crypto held in an IRA or 401(k) is treated differently. These accounts generally do not receive a step-up in value. Instead, they continue to follow the rules that apply to retirement assets. Distributions are typically taxed as ordinary income, and in many cases, non-spousal beneficiaries must withdraw the full account balance within 10 years. Mixing crypto’s volatility and forced liquidation can create financial planning considerations.

Q. Who should I choose to be in charge?

Careful consideration when choosing the person to manage your assets is vital to make sure your plan works as you envisioned. This can be a stressful and emotional period for families, and the person you choose will likely be making decisions under pressure.

In most estate plans, the person in charge is there to coordinate with institutions to carry out your wishes. Bitcoin can be different. If crypto is held in a wallet, the person you choose isn’t just overseeing the process; often, they are interacting with the system directly. There is no institution stepping in to move assets or correct mistakes. If something is entered incorrectly, it may not be fixable.

Someone who can follow instructions and be patient to avoid guesswork may be more important than a financial or technical background. Being capable of acting in emotional situations, rationally, is a quality to look for. When putting systems in place to ensure your crypto is accessible, also consider making sure someone with no experience can follow the steps without guessing. In traditional planning, there’s usually a backstop; there often isn’t with crypto.