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
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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Back Door Roth IRA Rules and Steps
Roth IRAs can be established and funded for high-income earners by using what is known as the “back door” Roth IRA contribution method. Many high-income earners believe that they can’t contribute to a Roth IRA because they make too much money and/or because they...
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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 traditional IRA or 401(k) to Roth? If you have a traditional IRA or 401(k), then that money grows tax-deferred BUT you pay tax on the money as it is drawn out at retirement. And that's a big BUT. On the other hand,...
read more 2018 Solo 401(k) Contribution Steps, Deadlines, and Rules
As 2018 comes to an end, it is critical that Solo 401(k) owners understand when and how to make their 2018 contributions. There are three important deadlines you must know if you have a Solo 401(k) or if you plan to set one up still in 2018. A Solo 401(k) is a...
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The IRS Says That You Can Contribute More to Your IRA and 401(k) in 2019
Late last week, the IRS announced increased contribution limits for IRAs, 401(k)s and other retirement plans. IRAs have been stuck at $5,500 since 2013, but are finally moving up to $6,000 starting in 2019. If you save in a 401(k), including a Solo K, the good news is...
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Tax and Legal Basics: Moving Yourself or Your Money Outside the U.S.
Are you a U.S. citizen considering moving yourself or your money outside the USA? Before you or money leave the USA, first consider the tax and legal consequences as they are often misunderstood. U.S. Citizens have numerous tax and reporting obligations that arise...
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How to Transfer or Rollover Funds to Your IRA?
You have a number of options and decisions to make when moving funds from a retirement account (401(k), 403(b), IRA) to an IRA. And you've got to be careful because sometimes checking the wrong box on your transfer, rollover, and withdrawal forms can have drastic tax...
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