Articles
Penalty-Free Early IRA Distributions for College Education Expenses
Do you have tuition or other college expenses due for yourself, your spouse, or your child? Would you like to use your IRA to pay for these expenses? Would you like to avoid the 10% early withdrawal penalty for accessing your IRA funds before you are age 59 ½? This...
Self-Directed IRAs, the DOL Fiduciary Rule, and Private Investment Denials
The so-called “DOL Fiduciary Rule” went into effect in June and has caused negative repercussions on self-directed retirement account investors who self-directed their IRA, 401(k), or pension into alternative investments. Many self-directed...
Can Your SDIRA Own Bitcoin and Other Cryptocurrencies?
Yes, your IRA can invest in and own bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin is a form of virtual currency using blockchain technology, and can be exchanged between parties for goods and services, or for dollars. From 2011 to July 2017, the value of Bitcoin...
Self-Directed IRA Owner Wins Appeal and Avoids Account Distribution for Common Mistake
Every year, there is at least one case when the IRS attempts to distribute a self-directed IRA for failing to meet a single technical requirement. This common situation arises when an IRA owner uses their standard, non-self-directed IRA to purchase assets that only...
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...
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?...
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...
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...
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...
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...
