Are you considering lending from your IRA? Making a loan from your IRA account can be an excellent way to earn returns with little effort on your part. The vast majority of loans are repaid in a timely fashion and the majority of lenders are pleased with the results.
Here are some things you should know about lending from your IRA:
The Loan
Only make a loan if you are satisfied that the borrower is both capable and willing to repay the loan on the agreed upon terms. The IRA Club does not investigate the history or credit information of the borrower.
Payments
Payments are made directly to your IRA account, not to you personally. Many loans are written with a “balloon payment.” This means all payments–both principle and interest–come due at the end of the term of the loan. Certainly, this may make sense as it gives the borrower full use of the funds for the longest period. However, you may wish to require periodic payments, monthly or quarterly. Furthermore, establishing this pattern for the borrower is a good idea.
Collateral or Debenture
If this will be a debenture loan, with no stated collateral, please be extra careful to investigate the borrower.
Questions
Ask all the questions you can think of. Don’t be embarrassed to ask for proof of the statements made by the borrower. Remember the last time you borrowed money from a bank? They asked a million questions and required proof of many of your statements. Now you are the bank. Take your time and get your questions answered.
Lawyers
Although not a requirement, we suggest you consider hiring a local qualified attorney to review the loan document. An ounce of prevention now is better than a pound of cure later.
For information about the Self Directed IRA or Solo 401k, call IRA Club at 312-795-0988
IRA Club offers no investments, products, or planning services. Therefore, please consult your attorney, tax professional, financial planner, and any other qualified person before making any investments.
