Do Self-Directed IRAs Have Fees?
Self-directed Individual Retirement Accounts (SDIRAs) allow investors to invest in alternative assets such as real estate, private equity and physical gold without incurring increased risks. But such investments come with greater potential returns.
SDIRAs may also be less liquid than regular retirement accounts, making it harder to sell assets when necessary.
These fees and complexity make SDIRAs unsuitable for new investors, who should instead look out for:
Transaction Fees
SDIRAs provide investors seeking higher returns than what can be found through traditional IRA investments the opportunity to diversify into alternative assets like real estate (with its special rules), precious metals that meet IRS purity standards, startup equity, private placement securities, promissory notes and tax lien certificates. Care must be taken in researching these assets as there are strict rules which must be observed; otherwise an IRS penalty could occur.
Custodians of self-directed IRAs must not only allow your IRA to invest in these assets, but must also provide educational materials that will assist with making investments that do not violate IRS rules. If you are unfamiliar with investing in these assets, it would be prudent to set up an appointment with an expert IRA counselor for guidance and instruction.
These specialists can answer your queries, explain the nuances of these investment classes and recommend specific opportunities that could benefit your IRA.
Account Setup Fees
Self-directed IRA custodian fees tend to be higher than traditional ones because these custodians don’t provide financial advice and conduct less due diligence on your investments.
Custodians typically charge fees associated with opening your IRA, annual maintenance fees and per asset fees, which can become increasingly significant if you invest in multiple forms of assets.
As SDIRAs allow nontraditional investments, you will need to do your research when choosing the asset classes to purchase. Furthermore, there is no guarantee on alternative investments, and these tend to be more volatile than traditional securities – making them better suited to more experienced and sophisticated investors who may not be satisfied with traditional returns or diversification. It would also be prudent to consult a tax or financial professional prior to investing in an SDIRA so they can ensure it complies with IRS rules and regulations.
Annual Fees
Some self-directed IRA custodians charge an annual maintenance fee; fees can vary by firm.
Nontraditional assets — such as precious metals that do not meet IRS purity standards or real estate — incur additional expenses. For example, purchasing property through a self-directed IRA requires filing an annual tax form; failing to file accurately could constitute an unqualified withdrawal and subject you to taxes and penalties from the IRS.
Other nontraditional investments may include crowdfunding platforms for startup equity investments, mortgage notes, tax liens and foreign currency – but all carry high risks of fraud. According to the Securities and Exchange Commission, criminals often target people investing alternative assets via SDIRAs; red flags could include brand new investments without track records; promises of unrealistic returns or lack of third-party oversight as potential scams.
Asset Specific Fees
Custodians may charge fees associated with holding alternative investments like physical gold, real estate and startup equity. Because these types of investments tend to be more illiquid, selling them when needed may take longer and may yield less than market value or what was originally paid for.
Additionally, it’s critical that you conduct thorough research when investing in self-directed IRAs involving alternative assets. The IRS has stringent rules regarding which investments you can hold within retirement accounts and their use, so any violations could cost you.
Be wary of investment promoters claiming their products offer low risk or guaranteed returns – these claims could be signs of fraud. Make sure to independently verify any information in your account statements regarding prices or asset valuation, such as getting a third-party valuation from an independent professional or researching tax assessment records of your property.
Comments are closed here.