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...
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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 into any investment allowed by law. These investments typically include; real estate, promissory...
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Roth Conversions: When You Should Convert Your IRA or 401(k) to Roth?
Many Americans wonder when they should convert their IRA or 401(k) to Roth? If you have a traditional IRA or 401(k), then that money grows tax-deferred and you pay tax on the money as it is drawn out at retirement. On the other hand, Roth IRAs and 401(k)s grow and...
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How to Fund Your Start-Up with Self-Directed IRA Investors
There are 25 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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5 Point Checklist to Keep Your Solo 401(k) Compliant
Solo 401(k)s have become a popular retirement plan option for self-employed persons. Unfortunately, many of the 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...
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Self-Directed IRA Valuations: Why Does My Self-Directed IRA Custodian Ask for a Valuation Update Every Year?
If you have a self-directed IRA with non-publicly traded assets like real estate, private stock, or an LLC interest, you’ve definitely been asked for an annual fair market valuation for the assets in your account. Why does your IRA custodian ask for this every year?...
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IRA Contribution Deadlines: Two Out of Three IRA Types Can’t be Extended
You have until April 18th, 2017 to make 2016 IRA contributions for Roth and Traditional IRAs. If you're self-employed and are using a SEP, your deadline is determined by your company's tax filing deadline (e.g. s-corp, partnership, or sole prop). So, if you were an...
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Quitclaim Deed Versus Warranty Deed, What to Use?
When it comes to transferring property, such as rental properties into LLCs or your personal residence into a Trust, it can be confusing understanding whether you should use a quitclaim deed or a warranty deed. Here is a brief description of each type of deed and when...
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New 990-T Filing Rule for Self-Directed IRAs
The IRS recently released updated the extension rules for 990-T tax returns that are required for certain self-directed IRAs. Form 990-T is a tax return that must be filed by an IRA when it receives what is known as unrelated business taxable income ("UBTI"). For a...
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Roth IRA Conversion Re-Characterization: One “Do-Over” the IRS Allows
Are you having second-thoughts about your Roth IRA Conversion? Did the value of your IRA decrease after you converted it? Are you unable to pay the tax on the conversion? If so, you're in luck as you can re-characterize your Roth IRA back to a traditional IRA and you...
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GAO Report on Self-Directed IRAs Concludes IRS Lacking in Three Key Areas
The Government Accountability Office (“GAO”) concluded over a year of research and investigation on self-directed IRA's and 401(k)'s with a report to Congress called Retirement Security: Improved Guidance Could Help Account Owners Understand the Risks of Investing in...
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2016 Self Directed IRA Tax Reporting Requirements
Self-Directed IRA investors should be aware of the following IRA tax reporting responsibilities. Some of these items are completed by your custodian and some of them are the IRA owner’s sole responsibility. Here’s a quick summary of what should be reported to the IRS...
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