Directed IRA Articles

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...

As the price of Bitcoin (BTC) has surpassed $50,000, we have seen increased interest in using IRA and other retirement plan funds to own Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. But can your IRA, Roth IRA, solo(k), or other retirement account own Cryptocurrency? Yes, your...

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....

Roth conversions remain popular as many fear that tax rates will only increase in the next few years, so why not convert now at lower tax rates and let the account grow and come out tax-free at retirement. Remember, if you have a traditional IRA or 401(k), then that...

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)...

Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and other cryptocurrencies have seen dramatic price increases this year. Have you thought about cashing in? Are you wondering how will you be taxed? Cryptocurrency is a Capital Asset The IRS has clearly stated that cryptocurrency (aka...

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...

The case of Niemann v. Commissioner involves a successful real estate investor who unknowingly used his self-directed IRA owned LLC (aka, checkbook control IRA) in a way that caused a prohibited transaction under IRC § 4975. While the Tax Court’s holding and decision...

Question 1: Can my IRA own substantially all of the ownership of an LLC? Question 2: Can my IRA/LLC pay a salary to me for serving as the manager of the IRA/LLC? The U.S. Tax Court issued an opinion in the case of Ellis v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo 2013-245 and answered...

There are numerous laws, cases, and regulations to consider in analyzing whether your IRA can own an LLC (commonly referred to as an “IRA/LLC” or a “checkbook control IRA”). Despite the complexity of the law, your IRA can own 100% of the ownership interest of an LLC...