12/31 Valuations for Self-Directed Accounts

12/31 Valuations for Self-Directed Accounts

Mark S.Pro Member
Rental Property Investor · KY · Member since 2013 · 1k+ posts · 539 votes
When is it appropriate to report the 12/31 value for self-directed retirement accounts? Obviously with traditional types of retirement accounts there’s an actual market value at close of market on 12/31. What about self-directed accounts? I asked my self-directed custodian and got two different answers. One person said they like to have the 12/31 value by then, but they’ll usually give you until January 10th to provide it. Another rep at that custodian said it can be provided at any point in the year (prior to 12/31). Are there any hard rules on the timing of this? Is it even possible to provide the 12/31 value before 12/31? I’m guessing if yes, the logic is that many self-directed investments don’t fluctuate much like investments in the stock market do daily. The folks I invested with said most investors simply use the purchase price as the 12/31 value each year when they report to the custodian. In this case, I bought cacao parcels and paid 5% transfer taxes. Do I include the 5% transfer taxes in the 12/31 value? Probably a question for my CPA, but curious as to how folks on here are handling things like this.
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  • Brian EastmanPro Member
    Self Directed IRA & 401k Advisor · Wenatchee, WA · Member since 2014 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    8y

    @Mark S.

    Your custodian is your best guide.  It is their compliance department that needs to retain such records and provide reporting on form 5498.

    For most investors, the value is just that, a number with little real meaning.  So, with relatively static assets such as property or notes, any value near the end of the year will get the job done.

    For investors where the account value drives a taxable process, such as those subject to required minimum distributions or when a Roth conversion is taking place, then a more precise and arguably time-sensitive valuation is required.  

    With real estate, for example, a normal account would be fine with realtor comps.  An account subject to RMD's will need a formal appraisal to stand on.

  • Mark S.Pro Member
    OP
    Rental Property Investor · KY · Member since 2013 · 1k+ posts · 539 votes
    8y
    Brian Eastman , thanks. Luckily I’m many years away from RMDs and won’t have to worry about them during my lifetime for this account (self-directed Roth IRA).
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