The IRS rules regarding the use of IRA or 401(k) funds for non-traditional investments are intended to ensure that all benefits from such activities accrue to the plan, rather than the individual. Put simply, because this money is given special, tax-sheltered status, you cannot personally benefit, other than by knowing that you are growing your retirement savings.
Understanding the rules governing IRA funds is critical to your ability to get the most out of your plan without creating exposure to tax penalties, but this can be a difficult prospect. IRS guidelines are not exactly notorious for clarity and easy comprehension. At Safeguard Advisors, one of our key roles is to work with you to make sure you are fully informed about the rules and how they apply to your intended investments.
This section of our blog is designed to help you navigate the often complex IRS rules and compliance guidelines and ascertain how they will affect your self-directed IRA or solo 401(k) plan investment activities. Articles in this category cover topics such as how to avoid prohibited transactions, effectively managing your required minimum distributions (RMDs), handling Roth IRA conversions, and more.
A self-directed IRA is unique in having a different transaction model, and opening up the possibility to invest in to a diverse range of assets such as real estate, private placements, and more. When it comes to the basic concepts…
An Inherited IRA is an account structure that allows a beneficiary to manage an inheritance that was passed down to them through an IRA or 401(k) account. If you’ve inherited an IRA as a beneficiary, it’s up to you to…
If you qualify as a self-employed entrepreneur and your business has no full-time employees, the Solo 401(k) is a fantastic self-directed retirement plan option. A Solo 401(k) isn’t really a distinct type of retirement plan. It’s a specific implementation of a…
![6 Prohibited Transactions To Avoid With Self-Directed IRAs [CHECKLIST]](https://ira123.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/internal-revenue-service.jpg)
One of the principal benefits of self-directed IRA and Solo 401(k) accounts is their flexibility, which allows for investments in diverse asset classes. With this added flexibility, however, comes added responsibility. It is important to understand IRS guidelines for the…
Looking to diversify your investment holdings? Consider a self-directed IRA. Self-directed IRAs and 401(k)’s can include atypical investments, such as real estate, private placements, trust deeds, and even gold and silver coins. If you are considering a self-directed IRA plan,…
If you are over age 72, or have an inherited IRA, you may be required to withdrawal some of your IRA or Solo 401(k) account each year. This concept is referred to as Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). Failing to take…
Ideally, you want to let your tax-sheltered retirement savings grow as long as possible before you start depleting it. Once you reach your 70s, however, the IRS requires you to begin taking withdrawals whether you need the money or not.…
Updated 1/25/2019 Let’s start with the good news. An IRA can use a mortgage to purchase real estate. Yes, you can leverage your IRA dollars to receive a higher rate of return by using other people’s money. When most folks…
![Self-Directed IRA Rules Every Investor Should Know [Infographic]](https://ira123.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/house-money.jpg)
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) continually updates and amends its rules and regulations for Self-Directed IRAs. This infographic outlines and explains important IRS rules that every Self-Directed IRA investor should know. Learn about allowable and excluded investments, prohibited transactions, disqualified…
