A Stretch IRA is not another special type of Individual Retirement Account. In fact, this is an approach to estate planning, which goal is to maximize the tax-deferred growth potential of the IRA assets by leaving them in the account for as long as the account holder and beneficiaries want and as long as the law permits. The approach being used for the stretch IRA does not allow large or lump-sum distributions to the IRA owner and his beneficiaries.