Regulations

At What Age Can You Withdraw from a 401(k) Without Paying Taxes?

One of the most common questions about retirement plans is: At what age can you withdraw money from a 401(k) without paying taxes or penalties? The answer depends on several factors, including: Your age The type of funds in the account (pre-tax vs Roth) Certain exceptions created by recent legislation, including the SECURE Act and […]

Can I Build a House with a Self-Directed IRA?

If you’re a real estate investor using retirement funds, you may be asking: Can I build a house with a Self-Directed IRA? The short answer is yes — but only if you follow strict IRS rules. When structured properly, your IRA can purchase land, fund construction, and hold the completed property as a retirement investment. […]

Can I Cash Out My Self-Directed IRA?

If you have a self-directed IRA invested in real estate, cryptocurrency, private equity, or other alternative assets, you may be wondering: Can I cash out my self-directed IRA? Watch: Learn the Tax Consequences of Cashing out an IRA and the Alternatives The short answer is yes — but it can be very expensive. Before taking […]

What Transactions Are Prohibited in a Self-Directed IRA?

Self-directed IRAs (SDIRAs) offer powerful investment flexibility. Unlike traditional IRAs limited to stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, a self-directed IRA allows you to invest in real estate, private lending, private equity, tax liens, and precious metals. However, that flexibility comes with strict IRS rules. The most important rule to understand? Prohibited transactions. If you violate […]

What Is a Backdoor 401(k)?

Understanding the Difference Between a Backdoor Roth IRA and the Mega Backdoor Roth 401(k) If you’ve heard the term “backdoor 401(k)”, you’re not alone. It’s a phrase used frequently in retirement planning discussions — but technically, it’s not an official IRS term. In most cases, when someone says “backdoor 401(k),” they’re actually referring to one […]

How to Avoid the 20% Federal Tax Withholding on a 401(k) Withdrawal

Withdrawing money from a 401(k) often comes with an unpleasant surprise: 20% of the distribution is withheld immediately for federal taxes. Many account holders assume this is unavoidable—but with the right strategy, it often can be avoided entirely. This applies not only to traditional employer-sponsored 401(k) plans, but also to self-employed and self-directed Solo 401(k) […]

How to Properly Close a Solo 401k Plan (And Avoid Costly IRS Penalties)

A Self-Directed Solo 401(k) is one of the most powerful retirement tools available to self-employed individuals. However, when your business activity ends—or you are no longer eligible to sponsor the plan—the Solo 401(k) must be formally closed. Closing a Solo 401(k) is not automatic. Failing to close a Solo 401(k) properly can result in significant […]

The Roth Trifecta: How to Execute a Mega Backdoor Roth Solo 401(k), Mega Backdoor Roth 401(k) & Backdoor Roth IRA in the Same Year

High-income professionals often assume they must choose one Roth strategy per year. In reality, the IRS allows a powerful combination of three separate Roth funding strategies to be used simultaneously — a structure we call the Roth Trifecta. When implemented correctly, the Roth Trifecta can allow an eligible taxpayer to contribute well over $100,000 in […]

Items to Consider if You Plan to Process a Self-Directed Roth Solo 401k Pretax In-Plan Conversion in 2026

A Roth Solo 401(k) in-plan conversion can be a powerful long-term tax strategy for self-employed business owners—but only if it’s executed correctly and on time. If you’re considering converting pretax Solo 401(k) funds (including alternative assets) into a designated Roth Solo 401(k) account in 2026, there are several critical rules, deadlines, and administrative steps you […]

Can You Still Contribute to an IRA If You Participate in a 401(k) or Solo 401(k)?

A common question among employees and self-employed individuals alike is: “If I already participate in a 401(k), can I still contribute to an IRA?” The short answer is yes—but the details matter, especially when it comes to tax deductibility and income limits. Participating in a 401(k) Does Not Block IRA Contributions Participating in an employer-sponsored […]

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