Who will receive the assets remaining in your IRA after your lifetime? Assets in your IRA are part of your estate. If left to individuals other than your spouse, they may be subject to estate tax. Unlike other assets, they are also subject to income tax when distributed to your heirs. If you name a charity such as Ausbon Sargent as beneficiary, all taxes are generally avoided. If you would like to provide for Ausbon Sargent in your estate plans, please tell us about it.