Articles
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Can My IRA/LLC Have a Brokerage Trading Account?
Many self-directed IRA investors use an IRA/LLC to make and hold their self-directed IRA investments. In essence, an IRA/LLC (aka "checkbook-controlled IRA") is an LLC owned 100% by an IRA. For a summary and description of an IRA/LLC, please refer to my video here....
What is a Foreign LLC or Corporation, and When Do I Need to Register My Company in Another State?
Business owners and investors doing business in multiple states often ask the question of whether their company, that is set up in one state needs to be registered into the other state(s) where they are doing business. This registration from your state of...
Distributions from Your Retirement Account: The Top Ten List
I'm routinely asked questions about what taxes and rules apply when a distribution occurs from a retirement account. Here are the top ten rules you should know about distributions from retirement accounts: The first 5 facts apply to Traditional IRA and 401(k) accounts...
Legally Raising Money for Others
If you are assisting someone else’s company in raising money and are receiving a fee for doing so you must do such activities within the confines of the securities laws…
