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Every year you may hear from us about fair market valuations (FMVs). Rest assured that our frequent iterations on this topic stem from FMVs being a critically important part of your account.
Are you ready to submit your FMV for the year? Access the Client Portal, browse your asset(s) on your main dashboard, and click “Valuate,” or “Take Action” and then “Valuate,” to quickly and securely complete the FMV process via our online form.
A fair market valuation, as the name implies, is the market value of an asset. Whereas stocks and precious metals carry consistently accepted and available values in their respective public markets, alternative investment options like real estate and private equity can vary depending on individual circumstances.
NDTCO requires self-directed account holders to submit an FMV for each applicable asset at least once a year…but why? Let’s look at the two primary reasons FMVs are so important.
The IRS Requires Fair Market Valuations
NDTCO requests FMVs every year from our account holders because the IRS requires them from all plan custodians. The IRS provides a great deal of flexibility in the scope of assets your self-directed IRA, 401(k), or Health Savings Account can hold, but it needs to know the value of any alternative assets held.
The FMV process begins with you, the account holder. Depending on the asset type, you may need the services of a qualified valuator and request valid supporting documentation. Upon submission of this information, NDTCO will update your account value and report it on IRS Form 5498. One copy of this form goes to you for your records and another copy is sent to the IRS.
This satisfies the IRS requirement and keeps your account in compliance, which is essential to protecting the tax benefits inherent to your account(s).
You Stay in the Know
Knowledge is power when it comes to self-directed investing. By knowing the FMV of your account, you can regularly gauge the success of your alternative investment strategy and make educated decisions based on recent performance. For example, if your IRA-owned property appreciates to a desirable level, you could sell it to finance the purchase of multiple new properties or leave it alone. As always with alternative investments, the choice is yours. FMVs can help you make these decisions on an informed basis so you can reach your personal investment goals.
You can view the FMV of your account 24/7 through the Client Portal. NDTCO will update the value of your non-public assets anytime we receive updated FMV information from you, while the values of public assets, e.g., precious metals, are updated automatically.
Contact NDTCO
Do you have questions about submitting a fair market valuation? Please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 877-742-1270, ex 191 or submit a question via the Client Portal.
Don’t have an account yet? Complete our simple online new account application to get started in a matter of minutes!
