Did you know that you can use a Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, SEP-IRA, SIMPLE-IRA, or HSA to invest in real estate tax free? Do you know the difference between a Traditional IRA and Roth IRA? In this post you’ll get an overview of these accounts and how you can use a self-directed IRA with checkbook control for real estate investing.
What is NOT a Self-Directed IRA?
Technically, all IRAs are self-directed. When you open an IRA at Schwab, Fidelity, or another brokerage, they don’t choose the investments for you (unless you pay them to do so). You’re free to choose from among any stock or mutual fund available on their platform.
If you’d like to invest in real estate, as allowed by the tax code, the brokerage representative informs you that doing so is not allowed. Says who? Not the IRS. The IRS follows the tax code which allows real estate investing. The reason brokers don’t allow investing in real estate on their platforms is that they’re not able to handle those investments and make money off you.
What Assets May An IRA Invest In?
According to the tax code and regulations, an IRA can invest in anything other than life insurance, collectibles, and S-Corp stock. That means real estate, private loans, tax liens, private stock, and any investment you can think of ARE allowable.
What is a “Traditional” Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA)?
A traditional Self-Directed IRA is an IRA held by a specialized trust company that is capable of administering non-traditional IRA investments, such as real estate and private loans. In a traditional SDIRA the custodian holds the IRA cash and handles all investment paperwork as trustee of your SDIRA. Being that these companies don’t have investment platforms they generate revenue from administrative fees, which can be substantial. In addition, every disbursement and every deal doc must be processed, approved, and signed for by the trustee. This can cost you valuable time when you’re trying to close a deal.
What is a self-directed checkbook control IRA?
A checkbook control SDIRA has all the benefits of a traditional SDIRA without any of the downside. A checkbook control IRA gives you direct control of the cash in your IRA and allows you to sign all deal documents. With a Checkbook IRA, custodian fees are minimized and investment flexibility is maximized. Checkbook IRAs use a specialized IRA-LLC structure to that enables you to handle real estate IRA investments with the same ease as real estate deals outside of a retirement account.
Should I use a self-directed Solo 401k for real estate investments?
Self-directed Solo 401(k)s are great vehicles for retirement plan real estate investing that provide extensive tax benefits for those that qualify. However, not everybody qualifies for these but it is definitely something you should explore.
What’s the self-directed catch?
Good question. With the freedom available through self-directing you’ve got to be aware of prohibited transactions and UBIT. Those are easily navigated if you understand what they are and work with ReSure to set-up your Checkbook IRA, QRP, or 401k.