Hello, fellow investors. Every new year, I get many questions about IRA contribution limits and what changes have taken effect. This year, there have been many more questions than usual about this subject, as well as the new tax laws. Don't worry, there's an article in the works about how these new tax laws will impact real estate investors soon. While it would be impossible to answer all of the questions I've received in this space, I will be giving an update on the IRA Contribution Limits for 2018.
Today, we're just going to talk about a "quick fix" for your IRA and retirement concerns. We'll also show you one big way to get around the 2018 limits and make the most of your retirement savings. Even better, you can learn all of this information in less than ten minutes.
Let's start with the good news: IRA contribution limits remain the same in 2018 as they did in 2017 (and even as far back as 2016). Here's the quick and dirty update:
But maybe you want to contribute more. If you're ready to take your retirement account to the next level, here is our Quick Fix solution: take advantage of a self-directed IRA LLC.
Self-Directed IRA LLCs are a mouthful to talk about, so it's possible you haven't even heard of this tool at all. But they will offer you the ability to make tax-free investments without custodian consent. Since you don't need to get permission from a custodian (you are, after all, an adult--or possibly an extremely bright teenager planning retirement early), you can make the investments you want, and you can make them faster than you would if you were stuck in Traditional IRA Land. Self-directed IRA LLCs are special purpose liability companies. Yours will be fully owned and managed by you. You can lord over it and feel like a God on the weekends. The LLC can become a pass-through for tax purposes, which allows you, the owner, to assume the tax burden instead of the LLC. This gives you tax options.
In most cases, income and gains flow back into the IRA tax-free. You are also able to keep and funds in an LLC bank account without having to go through a custodian. These accounts operate similarly to personal checking accounts, but the company is separate from you as an individual. You have control over, and access to your money, which means greater investment flexibility.
You can invest in anything from your IRA LLC. And when I say anything, I mean literally anything: real estate, gold, Bitcoin, and so much more is all fair game. Your only limit is your imagination. No matter where you put your money, your income and gains flow back into your fund tax-free. You can stick it to Uncle Sam--who among us hasn't wanted to? And even better, you can maximize your contributions and plan the retirement you've fantasized about for during your working life.
So, to briefly review for the scanners in the audience, when you get a Self-Directed IRA LLC:
Pretty cool, right?
That's it for today. If you have any questions about Self-Directed IRA LLCs, want to sing their praises, or want to pick an argument with me because you think I'm totally off-base, you can do so in the comments below. Let's spread the Self-Directed IRA LLC Gospel and work towards a happy, healthy, and comfortable retirement plan together.
Scott Royal Smith is an asset protection attorney and long-time real estate investor. He's on a mission to help fellow investors free their time, protect their assets, and create lasting wealth.
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