If you have a self-directed, or solo 401(k)—or what the IRS calls a one-participant 401(k)—one of the benefits that may have attracted you to this type of retirement account was the tax-free growth potential.
A solo 401(k) allows account owners to leverage a wider range of investments than a traditional retirement account. In fact, account owners can invest in real estate, precious metals, renewable energy and much more—all in addition to the stocks, bonds and mutual funds a traditional account permits. Because of these investment opportunities, account owners are more likely to see increased diversity and growth potential. When coupled with tax-free growth, the returns can quickly escalate.
Your solo 401(k) does not normally have a standard, yearly tax filing requirement. However, there are two exceptions:
Let's take a look at 5500 filing requirements for the solo 401(k).
Form 5500 EZ is an IRS document required to be submitted for one-participant retirement plans, like your solo 401(k) plan, by July 31 every year if the value of the account is over $250,000. For those who value their privacy, you will be pleased to hear that as of 2012, Form 5500 EZ is no longer a public document when submitted on behalf of a solo 401(k) account.
If you own an account that meets the requirement threshold for filing Form 5500 EZ, failure to do so will result in penalties once the IRS finds out. At $25 a day, the IRS can fine you up to $15,000 a year for failure to file your Form 5500 EZ.
If you need to file Form 5500 EZ for your solo 401(k), it must be submitted to the IRS directly. Mail your form to the Department of Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, Ogden, UT 84201-0020. Again, to avoid penalties, you must file Form 5500 EZ for any solo 401(k) valued at over $250,000 by July 31 every year.
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.
Ready to know more than your attorney? Join our community platform where you'll get immediate FREE access to all our best educational resources for real estate investors. Including 8 Masterclasses, group mentoring replays, and much, much more.
Join thousands of real estate investors in all 50 states as they enjoy exclusive content, special promotions, and behind-the-scenes access to me and my guests. No spam, ever. Just great stuff!
