Developing a retirement strategy is a vital part of adulthood because you’ll want to live out your golden years in comfort. You will have multiple options as you create your plan depending on the risk level you’re comfortable with and how you wish to structure your taxes.
One potential option involves purchasing real estate using a self-directed IRA. This method puts you in total control of your IRA account while allowing you to buy real estate and other assets with the money you contribute.
Buying real estate in this manner offers various benefits, but there are some rules you’ll have to follow along the way. This guide explains everything you should know about self-directed IRA real estate investment.
What Is a Self-Directed IRA?
A self-directed IRA is a retirement account you can use as an investment vehicle. You can structure your account as a Roth IRA or traditional IRA, but unlike a managed account, you’re responsible for selecting and buying assets to grow. You’ll need a custodian or trustee to administer the account, but that individual isn’t permitted to offer advice or professional guidance.
Going with a self-directed IRA ensures you’ll have fewer limitations on what you can buy as investments. You won’t be limited to stocks and bonds, as you can invest in real estate and other assets you believe will appreciate.
Benefits of IRA Real Estate Investments
Buying real estate with self-directed IRA accounts offers numerous benefits. Those who prefer real estate investment to the stock market might go in this direction if they have enough cash in their IRA to purchase a desirable property. Here are a few reasons self-directed IRA real estate investment can be beneficial:
Real Estate Typically Appreciates
No investment is a sure thing, but real estate often appreciates in value over its lifetime, leaving you with a valuable asset when you’re ready to retire. You can also boost your IRA through rental fees you collect, helping your account grow even further. You can then sell the property when you reach retirement age.
Potential for Tax-Free Growth
You’ll experience some tax savings on your real estate investment if you structure your self-directed IRA like a Roth IRA. All the appreciation your rental property experiences while your retirement account owns it will be tax-free in this scenario because you’ll have already paid tax on the money you contributed to the account. You could alternatively structure your account as a traditional IRA and receive a tax deduction on the contributions you use to buy the property.
Diversify Your Portfolio
Diversifying your portfolio can also offer protection from the stock market, making your investments less volatile. Real estate is typically a safe investment and acts as a hedge against inflation, so you don’t have to worry too much about your asset losing value. You can also diversify geographically because the property doesn’t necessarily have to be local.
Learning how self-directed IRA real estate investing can benefit you is crucial as you plan for retirement. This knowledge can assist as you make the best decisions for your future.
Five Real Estate Self-Directed IRA Rules You’ll Need to Follow
Self-directed IRA real estate sounds straightforward, but there are some regulations you’ll need to understand. These rules are in place to ensure your IRA remains a retirement account and that you don’t benefit directly from this arrangement before you reach retirement age. Some self-directed IRA rules real estate investment requires include the following:
1. You Can’t Use the Property
Any real estate you buy using a self-directed IRA is for investment purposes only. You aren’t permitted to live in the home or spend any time vacationing there because the property isn’t for personal use. You also can’t run a business from the property or allow any relatives to live there.
2. The IRA Must Pay for Everything
All maintenance and repair money must come from your IRA. You aren’t permitted to pay any of these expenses out of pocket, and if the IRA doesn’t have the cash to pay for maintenance, you’ll have to over-contribute and pay the penalties associated with that. Keep in mind that you’ll leave your rental income in the account to cover these expenses.
3. All Profit Goes Back to the IRA
Every penny the rental property makes must stay in the IRA account. You can reinvest this money or leave it in the account to cover expenses, but you aren’t allowed to withdraw any cash until you reach retirement age. A 10% early withdrawal tax applies to any money you remove from the account prematurely.
4. Rules for Disqualified People
The IRS has a list of disqualified people who can’t live in or work at the property. This list includes your spouse, parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, children, their spouses, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. You also can’t purchase the property from any of these people or it will be deemed a self-dealing transaction that could disqualify the entire account.
5. You Can’t Claim Deductions
It’s worth noting that you won’t receive any of the tax advantages that typically accompany owning property. You’ll likely pay cash for the property using funds from your IRA, so you can’t deduct your mortgage interest payments. The IRA account holder doesn’t technically own the property, so the benefits don’t arrive until you retire.
Following these real estate self-directed IRA rules can help you avoid numerous problems as your investment grows. Take the time to understand your responsibilities when using this investment vehicle to keep your retirement income safe.
Your Retirement Plan
Going with a self-directed IRA for real estate investment could be beneficial in many situations, but it isn’t the only option. The best way to develop a retirement strategy is to speak with a professional advisor to ensure you have all the information and make the right decision for your future.
Bogart Wealth offers retirement planning services in Northern Virginia and Houston, Texas. We’ll present you with options to help you reach your retirement goals and maximize your savings for your later years. Contact Bogart Wealth to speak with an expert about your retirement plan.
