Jan 11, 2026 | Blog, Fair Market Valuations (FMV)
LLCs and private equity investments are common inside self directed IRAs, and they are also some of the most challenging assets to value. Unlike publicly traded investments, these assets do not have daily pricing or open market quotes. Because of this, FMV reporting...
Jan 11, 2026 | Blog, Fair Market Valuations (FMV)
Alternative assets inside a self directed IRA can take many forms, from cryptocurrency and precious metals to notes and other nontraditional investments. While these assets differ in structure, they all share one common requirement: an annual Fair Market Value must be...
Jan 11, 2026 | Blog, Fair Market Valuations (FMV)
When it comes to Fair Market Value reporting, one of the most common questions we hear is who determines the value of the assets held inside a self directed IRA. The short answer is that the account holder is responsible for providing FMV, not the custodian. ...
Jan 11, 2026 | Blog, Fair Market Valuations (FMV)
Submitting clear and complete documentation with your Fair Market Value helps ensure accurate reporting and prevents delays. While documentation can vary by asset type, the goal is always the same: to support the value being reported in a reasonable and transparent...
Jan 11, 2026 | Blog, Fair Market Valuations (FMV)
Missing a Fair Market Value deadline does not mean you have done something wrong or triggered an immediate penalty. However, late or missing FMV can create avoidable complications if not addressed. Understanding the potential impact helps you stay ahead of issues and...
Jan 11, 2026 | Blog, Fair Market Valuations (FMV)
Fair Market Value reporting often feels more intimidating than it needs to be. For many investors, seeing a number attached to their retirement account can trigger unnecessary concern about taxes, performance, or whether they did something wrong. The most important...
Jan 11, 2026 | Blog, Fair Market Valuations (FMV)
A common question investors ask is whether they need to pay for a professional valuation or appraisal every single year. In most cases, the answer is no. The IRS does not require a formal appraisal annually for every asset. Instead, it requires a reasonable, good...
Jan 11, 2026 | Blog, Fair Market Valuations (FMV)
Fair Market Value plays a direct role in how Required Minimum Distributions and inherited retirement accounts are administered. While FMV itself does not create taxes, it provides the foundation for important calculations that affect compliance. Understanding this...
Jan 6, 2026 | Blog, Tax Bites
Every year, severe storms, flooding, wildfires and other disasters affect millions of taxpayers. Many experience casualty losses from damage to their homes or personal property. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law last year, generally made...
Jan 5, 2026 | Blog, Self-Directed IRA Investing
What Actually Changed and Why Investors Need to Pay Attention Introduction January brings noise. Investors want clarity. Each new year arrives with a flood of headlines, summaries, and last minute posts breaking down what changed and what did not. By the time most...
