Private company stock? A whole Single Member LLC? They might sound like great investments for you to make in your personal life. But what not many people know is that you can hold private company stock within a Self-Directed IRA, making available all of the many retirement benefits that come with holding an IRA. Of course, not every situation is the same. You might hold a small amount of private company stock in an IRA—or you may choose to hold a whole Single Member LLC for checkbook-writing purposes. Whatever you decide, one thing is clear: a Self-Directed IRA turns you on to all sorts of other possibilities. Let’s explore what it means to hold a private company in a Self-Directed IRA.

Private Company Investments with Self-Directed IRAs

Investing in private companies through Self-Directed IRAs can be an attractive option if you like a diversified portfolio. Yes, the traditional style of IRA investing means you typically limit yourself to publicly traded stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. But what about demanding more from your retirement account? As we mentioned above, Self-Directed IRAs open up a world of alternative investment opportunities, including private company stock and LLCs.

The Basics of Self-Directed IRA Investing for Private Companies

Private company investing typically means purchasing stocks in companies that are not publicly traded. After all, some of today’s most successful companies, like Google and Microsoft, started as private ventures. There are amazing opportunities out there for people who want to build a lot of wealth. If you’re considering investing in a promising private company, leveraging your Self-Directed IRA can offer clear advantages.

How it Works: Private Company Investing in an IRA

It’s a straightforward process. Once you’ve identified a private company offering stock options, you simply direct your IRA administrator, such as American IRA, to purchase the shares on behalf of your IRA. The administrator then handles the purchase. In American IRA’s case, we’ll ensure all shares are titled and vested in the name of your IRA. This arrangement provides tax-advantaged growth potential for your investment under the “umbrella” of a retirement account.

Important Rules to Remember

Investments have risks. And one risk is that you run afoul of the rules if you’re not too careful. So review the rules first. As with any investment, there are important regulations to heed when you’re holding private company assets in a Self-Directed IRA. First, you can’t invest in a private company in which you or any prohibited person has ownership, management, or control. Second, income generated from the investment must flow directly into your IRA, proportionate to its ownership percentage. What’s more, an annual Fair Market Valuation must be provided by the company management and submitted to your IRA administrator to ensure compliance with IRS regulations.

Does it sound difficult? It can be. Private company investing within Self-Directed IRAs requires careful consideration and professional guidance. American IRA recommends consulting with experts such as attorneys, financial advisors, and CPAs. This will be critical to making informed decisions and reducing risks associated with these investments. While Self-Directed IRA administrators like American IRA provide essential services to help administrate your account, we’re not an advisory firm.

Yes, holding private company investments within a Self-Directed IRA offers investors all sorts of opportunities. You can diversify your retirement portfolios and potentially achieve tax-advantaged growth. But you’ll need to know the basics first. This will help you adhere to important rules. You should consider consulting with professionals to make the journey easier, as well.  Interested in learning more about Self-Directed IRAs?  Contact American IRA, LLC at 866-7500-IRA (472) for a free consultation.  Download our free guides or visit us online at www.AmericanIRA.com.