Most Popular Articles
Top Ten Frequently Asked Self-Directed IRA Questions (and Answers)
It’s finally here: My top ten list of frequently asked self-directed IRA questions! Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been investing with a self-directed account for decades, make sure you know the answers to these ten questions. In most instances, I’ve… READ MORE
Self-Directed IRA Basics: What is a Self-Directed IRA, What Can a Self-Directed IRA Invest Into, and What is an IRA/LLC?
What is a Self-Directed IRA? A self-directed IRA is an IRA (Roth, Traditional, SEP, Inherited IRA, SIMPLE) where the custodian of the account allows the IRA to invest in any investment allowed by law. These investments typically include; real estate, promissory…READ MORE
Self Directed IRA Blog
Buying a Retirement Home With Your Self-Directed IRA
A common self-directed IRA question is, “Can I buy a future retirement home with my IRA?” Yes, you can buy a future retirement home with your IRA, but you need to understand the rules and drawbacks before doing so. First, keep in mind that IRAs can only hold...
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Solo K Form 5500 Tax Filing and Five-Point Compliance Checklist
Solo 401(k)s have become a popular retirement plan option for self-employed persons. Unfortunately, many plans are not properly maintained and are at the risk of significant penalty and/or plan termination. If you have a Solo 401(k), you need to ensure that the 401(k)...
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How to Fund Your Start-Up with Self-Directed IRA Investors
There are 28 trillion dollars in retirement plans in the United States. Do you know that these funds can be invested into your business? Yes, it’s true, IRAs and 401(k)s can be used to invest in start-ups, private companies, real estate, and small businesses....
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3 Critical Legal Tips When Buying a Business
Every buyer of a small business should consider the following three key legal issues when acquiring a business. 1. Buy Assets and Not Liabilities. Most small business purchases are done as what are called “Asset Purchases”. In an Asset Purchase the buyer of the...
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Pay the IRS or Lose Your Passport
The IRS recently announced that the State Department will be denying passports, and may revoke yours if you have a "seriously delinquent tax debt." A seriously delinquent tax debt is where you owe more than $52,000 (including interest and penalties). While this law...
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Investing in Real Estate with an IRA: The Most Overlooked Opportunity in Real Estate
IRAs are the most overlooked opportunity in real estate. Let me explain. First, there are over 9 Trillion Dollars in IRA accounts in the U.S. This number is staggering and makes IRAs one of the largest sections of investable cash in the world. Source,...
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Roth IRA Distributions Before Age 59 ½
Every Roth IRA account owner knows that the main benefit of the Roth IRA is that there are no taxes due on withdrawals taken after the account owner is 59 ½. However, what taxes or penalties apply to distributions taken before the Roth IRA owner reaches 59 ½? Roth IRA...
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2018 Tax Reporting for Your Self-Directed IRA
Self-Directed IRA investors should be aware of their self-directed IRA tax reporting responsibilities. Some of these items are completed by your custodian and others are the IRA owner’s sole responsibility. Here’s a quick summary of what should be reported to the IRS...
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Self-Directed IRA Fair Market Valuations Explained
An IRA must report its fair market value to the IRS annually. Fair market value is reported to the IRS by your IRA custodian via IRS Form 5498. For standard IRAs holding stocks or mutual funds, those account values are automatically determined as they simply take the...
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