ROBS 401(k) | Rollover as Business Start-ups
Use your retirement funds to legally invest in a new or existing business.
How it Works
Establish a C Corp
Establish a new C corporation in the state the business will be operating. It must be a C Corporation.
C Corp adopts a 401(k)
The C Corporation adopts a prototype 401(k) plan, letting participants direct their plans’ investments, including “qualifying employer securities.”
Participate in the 401(k)
You elect to participate in the new 401(k) plan, then direct a rollover of a prior employer’s 401(k) plan funds into the newly adopted plan.
Purchase stock
Using your 401(k), purchase the C Corporation’s newly issued stock at fair market value.
C Corp purchases assets
The C Corporation uses the proceeds from the sale of stock to purchase the assets for the new business.
Earn a salary
You can earn a salary from the revenue of the business, and personally guarantee a business loan.
SBA Loan for ROBS
How can you put your ROBS to work for you and your business goals? The SBA Loan for ROBS offers low interest funding for your business.
Up to 90% financing
Competitive interest rates
NO Balloon or loan covenants
Capital financing for commercial real estate, equipment, renovations, etc.
Loan amounts between $250,000 and $5,000,000
Quick loan decisions
25 year amortization schedule
$3,500
One-Time Fee-
Invest in Yourself
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Low Corporate Tax Rate
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Earn a Salary
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Retain Key Employees
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Audit Support
IRA Financial will help you create a fully compliant structure.
Due to IRS concerns over misuse of the structure, it’s crucial to work with a knowledgeable provider that will create a structure that is fully compliant with IRS and ERISA rules.
Quick FAQ & Further Reading
The pros of using Rollover Business Startups (aka ROBS or 401(k) Business Funding) include:
Tax Savings – If you plan on using retirement funds to invest in a business, you could simply withdraw the funds. However, you will be hit with a huge tax bill and may owe penalties. All contributions to traditional plans are tax-deferred. This means you will owe taxes on all distributions. If you were to take a large sum of money to invest in a business, the tax hit will be enormous. Further, if you are under age 59 1/2 when withdrawing from the plan, you will be hit with a 10% early withdrawal penalty. Using the ROBS solution allows you to take distributions tax- and penalty-free!
No Debt – When using a ROBS for your business, you won’t incur debt. ROBS is not a loan, so there’s no money to pay back to a bank. No high interest fees and no chance of defaulting. Therefore, all profits can now be reinvested into the business to make it grow faster.
No Credit Check – Speaking of a bank loan, there’s no need for a credit check when using ROBS. Securing a traditional loan is hard for many people. While you may have plenty of savings in your retirement account, you might not have the credit-worthiness to obtain a loan.
Invest in Yourself – Why bet on the stock market or other investment vehicles when you can invest in yourself? Take control of your retirement by going into business for yourself. This way, it’s up to you if you fail or succeed.
Earn a Paycheck – In order to participate in the 401(k) plan, you must be an employee of the C Corporation. This gives you the advantage of earning a salary AND being involved in all aspects of the business, including decision making.
Learn More: Rollover Business Startup Prohibited Transactions
The cons of using ROBS include:
Failure – According to the Small Business Administration, about half of all new businesses fail within five years. Therefore, the biggest risk with ROBS is losing most, if not all, of your retirement savings due to a failed business venture. It’s imperative to make sure your business succeeds!
Audit – After performing a ROBS, the IRS might look at you a little more closely. The chances of an audit are still slim, however they do increase. So long as you have a good facilitator (such as IRAFG), you should be okay even if the IRS starts looking into you.
Losing out on Potential Gains – Once you move your money out of your current retirement plan, it’s no longer earning money for you. Great years in the Stock Market can yield 10-15% earnings. Additionally, you lose the power of compounding. On the other hand, during a down year, you won’t lose money either.
Yes! In fact, as part of ROBS, you must be an employee of the business. Your salary must be reasonable for your business type. For more information read: The Beginners Guide to Rollover Business as Startups
See more frequently asked questions: 401(k) Business Funding/Rollover Business Startups FAQs