An individual retirement account (IRA) is a well-known and popular means of saving for your golden years. A lesser-known option, called a self-directed IRA (SDIRA) is another option. A Self-Directed Roth IRA is something else entirely, which we'll get to in a minute.
While an IRA permits account owners to invest in mutual funds, bonds and stocks, a SDIRA allows for even more. Precious metals, real estate, private placements, and mortgage notes, for example, are all allowable investments through the use of a SDIRA.
As with an IRA, SDIRAs can fall into various categories. A traditional SDIRA is funded using pre-tax dollars. These contributions, which are typically deducted from your pre-tax earnings, are considered to be “tax-deferred.” This means that taxes are paid on your distributions instead. A Roth SDIRA, however, is funded via post-tax dollars. Because these dollars are already taxed, taxes are not paid on any earnings, returns or distributions. Many financial experts advise investors to establish an entity, such as a limited liability company (LLC), to help protect their SDIRA investments.
The primary advantage of using your self-directed Roth IRA LLC to invest in, or purchase, real estate is largely related to taxes. Because you already paid taxes on the funds being used in your SDIRA, you do not subjected to taxation on any income or gains made with those finances. In doing this, your eventual distributions are much higher than they would be with a traditional account, which would have taxes deducted when being withdrawn.
By forming a self-directed Roth IRA LLC, you gain checkbook control over your finances. You also help to ensure lawsuits, bankruptcies, and other financial obligations are only payable from the account that was the subject of the court ruling.
One of the biggest reasons for opening a SDIRA relates to the opportunity to invest in real estate. In fact, you can use your self-directed Roth IRA LLC to invest in both domestic and foreign real estate. This includes:
Using your self-directed Roth IRA to invest in real estate is quite similar to how you would personally purchase properties. First, if you obtain the help of reputable professionals, like those at Royal Legal Solutions, you can receive professional help with establishing your LLC. Because your custodian has experience with these types of entities, they can ensure the right documents are filed with the correct government bodies and all fees are paid in a timely manner. A custodian can also help to ensure you structure your LLC in a way that is optimal for real estate investments. This include using your SDIRA funds to make 100% of all investments, partnering with non-disqualified persons, or using your LLC’s finances to make all of your investments.
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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