Finance Your New Business During the Pandemic
BORSA, finance your new business during the pandemic
How can you make BORSA work for you? Now may be a great time to explore ROBS, or the Rollover Business Startup Solution and what it can do for you during the pandemic.
Key Points
- Start a new business or franchise
- Legally pay yourself a salary
- Abide by IRS and ERISA guidelines
What is the BORSA Plan?
The BORSA (Business Owners Retirement Savings Account) is DRDA’s Solution otherwise known as ROBS (Rollover Business Startup Solution), an IRS and ERISA approved structure that allows investors to use their retirement funds for a new business or franchise that they will be personally involved in. It is the primary way a retirement plan holder can have personal involvement in a business utilizing their retirement funds, without triggering IRC prohibited transaction rules.
Setting up a BORSA Plan requires planning but can be accomplished in relatively few steps.
- Set up a C Corporation – The process begins by establishing the new corporation, using the proper legal structure to support the establishment and operation of the company’s qualified retirement plan.
- Rollover your funds – Transfer your funds from an old IRA or 401(k) plan into a new 401(k) plan that the stock of the start-up C corp. business sponsors or adopts.
- Start earning a salary – You must be an employee of your new business and provide a legitimate service. Your compensation must come from your business.
How Do BORSA and Pandemic Relate?
While there’s a pandemic, millions are losing their jobs and joining the ranks of the unemployed. More than ever, many are trying to rely on themselves and not some corporate entity that must make difficult decisions to comply with federal and state mandates affecting individual earning, security, and livelihood. Using BORSA can be an ideal way to start the business of your dreams with money you already have.
BORSA can help you fund a new business or franchise with retirement funds, and that means you’re starting on your way to owning and fulfilling your goals. When COVID-19 hit, no one could have anticipated it would bring the unprecedented upheaval of everyday life that it has.
How Does BORSA Work?
The BORSA Plan allows an investor to create a C Corporation, and the C Corp’s profits are taxed separately from the owner as it is owned by shareholders. Next, funds are transferred from an old IRA or 401(k) plan. Then, as an employee providing a legitimate service, you are able to earn a salary at the business you’ve created.
There are very specific IRS and ERISA rules that have to be followed, and for this reason guidance is recommended. DRDA can help you get started. When it’s time for your new company’s stock to get valuated by the IRS, DRDA will help value the stock of the new or existing company.
BORSA Benefits
More than almost anything else, Americans are looking to make certain they can make it through the pandemic, civil unrest, and the whole of the current situations currently embroiling the nation. For those who have lost their jobs and have been unable to find replacement work, tapping into their retirement funds have been one source of income to help. But what happens when the funds have been depleted?
More than just taking funds out, though, BORSA can help you open a franchise or start a new business you can own yourself. Your money is helping you and your family first. The primary benefit of using the BORSA Plan is that you can employ it to use your retirement funds to invest in a business you will be personally involved in. You can do this without paying tax on the retirement funds you wish to use as a distribution.
Additionally, investing in yourself within your retirement portfolio is an excellent way to diversify. Your investments in traditional assets such as stocks and bonds, and alternative assets such as cryptocurrency, exist separately, and you can fund your own business as well. This may protect investment portfolios as a whole during times of unrest and market volatility,
During the COVID-19 and now the Delta Variant financial crisis, it’s important to know where your money is and what it’s doing. While investing in the market and traditional assets can bring you financial success, it’s very volatile at this time. Alternative assets like real estate can help diversify your portfolio. And using the BORSA Plan to fund your dreams can help you even more.
If you are interested in receiving more information on the BORSA™ plan, DRDA will be hosting a webinar on September 8th and 9th, 2021.
Click Here to sign up and access this FREE webinar.
- Published in Business Lending, ROBS 401(k), ROBS 401k Provider, Small Business, Starting a Business, Uncategorized
Using 401(k)/IRA Funds to Start or Buy a Business
Using Rollovers for Business Start-ups (ROBS) such as DRDA’s BORSA™ Plan
to finance a business isn’t new, but it is unfamiliar to many. As a result, there are a lot of myths swirling around about the use of ROBS structures that may be stopping would-be entrepreneurs from chasing their dreams.
BORSA Plans involve using money from an eligible retirement account to finance the purchase of a business or franchise. To summarize, a corporation is formed, and that corporation then sponsors a 401(k) plan. Funds are rolled from an existing retirement account into the new 401(k) without triggering a taxable distribution. This new 401(k) purchases (or invests in) shares of the corporation, which can then purchase a business or franchise.
In essence, a BORSA™ Plan allows you to invest in your own business where you have control rather than investing in the market where you have no control. Here’s the truth behind the most common ROBS myths:
- It’s not tax avoidance.
Using a BORSA™ Plan isn’t a way to evade taxes by any means. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) was set up explicitly to encourage investment in small businesses – businesses that pay taxes. - BORSA™ Plan is an investment, not a loan.
With a BORSA™ Plan, you’re investing in your new business or franchise, not taking on debt. This means you won’t have to make monthly loan payments or incur interest. - You can use a BORSA Plan to diversify your nest egg.
You don’t have to take every penny from your existing retirement fund for a BORSA™ Plan to work. Many people only use a portion of their retirement assets, and this arrangement can be used in conjunction with a small business loan or other financing option. So, you can diversify your investments. - Getting funded using a BORSA™ Plan can take as little as four weeks.
Depending on the state in which you’re filing, and how fast you’re able to file the necessary paperwork, funding can take as little as a few weeks. Most are completed in less than 30 days. - BORSA Plans are not the same as Self-directed IRAs.
While it’s possible to finance a business with both self-directed IRAs and a BORSA™ Plan, there are some major differences between the two. If you use an SDIRA, the owner may not work for the business or take a salary. The investment amount is also potentially liable for the unrelated business income tax (UBIT), which can get very expensive. With the BORSA™ Plan, the 401(k) owner must work for the new business, and UBIT doesn’t apply. - A BORSA™ Plan can be used to fund start-ups.
A BORSA™ Plan is a great option to finance not only start-ups, but also purchases of existing businesses and franchises.
To some, the BORSA process can appear to have complex rules and regulations. But if you have a qualified retirement plan with a balance that’s sufficient for your start-up needs and work with an experienced company to support its formation, it can be a great option to start or re-capitalize your business debt-free.
Are you interested in learning more about DRDA’s ROBS structure, the BORSA™ Plan? Give our experienced team a call today 281-488-2022 for a free consultation
- Published in ROBS 401(k), Small Business, Starting a Business, Tax, Uncategorized
How to Use Retirement Funds, Tax and Penalty Free, to Purchase a Business
For most entrepreneurs, the most difficult part of starting a business is not coming up with an idea but financing the start-up. Over the past few years, many lenders have tightened their requirements for small business loans, leaving some would-be owners out in the cold. Another option is available, namely using your retirement funds to finance a business startup or providing the equity lenders need to make a loan.
In most instances using retirement funds will incur taxes and penalties, however there are three ways in which you can avoid both:
- Using a Roth IRA if you are over age 59 and the Roth IRA has been open at least five years
- 401(k) Loan Option
- Using a BORSA plan also known as Rollover on Business Startup Solution (ROBS)
Roth IRA
Taking a Roth IRA distribution may not be the most efficient way to fund a business, but it does have a potential advantage as it could help avoid taxes on the gain from the money used.
401(k) Loan Option
Some 401(k) plans allow you to borrow against your retirements account. This feature works well only if a small amount of money to start a business is required. Plans with this option allow participants to borrow the lesser of $50,000 or 50% of the vested value of your plan assets. The loan must be fully repaid within five years, via payments that are at least quarterly, at market interest rates.
ROBS
ROBS is the most flexible way to fund a fledgling business. To understand this structure you have to understand provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and the Internal Revenue Code (IRC). The plan should be approved by both the Department of Labor (DOL) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This approval comes in the form of a Favorable Determination Letter from the IRS.
This method is a great way to fund a business, especially if more than $50,000 in a qualifying retirement account is available. If less than $50,000 is available, taking a loan against the investment may be a better option. ROBS may be used for business acquisition, working capital or as a down payment for additional financing. If you meet the criteria, it is usually the most cost-effective method, plus there is no requirement to repay the money especially in those early years of operation.
Setting up a ROBS involves rolling over a pre-tax IRA or 401(k) plan account into a new 401 (k) sponsored by a “C” Corporation. The rollover funds are then invested into the stock of the “C” Corporation. The account holder can then earn a reasonable salary as an employee of the business.
Starting or buying a new business is complicated. Using your retirement money to fund a business is a viable option but also adds a layer of complexity that you need to understand. Your best plan of action before you do anything is to consult with someone who understands the pros and cons of each of these options. DRDA, PLLC – CPAs has provided these services to thousands of entrepreneurs and we would be happy to discuss this option and help you determine what method works best for you. Contact us to learn more about BORSA (Business Owner’s Retirement Savings Account), our exclusive ROBS plan that allows investors to access their 401(k) funds tax and penalty free.
- Published in ROBS 401(k), ROBS 401k Provider, Starting a Business
How to Finance a Business with an SBA loan and Retirement Funds
Entrepreneurs seeking to finance a startup company often look to the Small Business Administration (SBA) for the funding they need to get their company up and running. One of the most beneficial ways to get the funds needed is to use a 401(k) financing, also called a Rollover on Business Startup (ROBS), in conjunction with an SBA loan. The ROBS process allows the borrower to leverage retirement funds without incurring any tax or penalties. SBA loans and ROBS have advantages as stand-alone instruments but when they work in conjunction with one another, they can provide even greater buying power and flexibility
Advantages of SBA Loans
The SBA generally does not make direct loans to entrepreneurs. Rather, it provides a guarantee to lenders for the money they loan to start the business. This guarantee protects lenders by promising to pay the loan if the business owner defaults. SBA loans are a popular form of financing because the interest rate is lower, typically 6% to 9% and offer longer repayment terms than other forms of financing. These loans do have qualification criteria starting with a required credit score of at least 680 along with a strong financial and industry experience history.
The SBA requires would-be business owners to have a minimum 10% down payment on all SBA loans, however, many lenders providing SBA loans may require a down payment of 20-30% of total startup coasts. For an average size loan, the down payment will be between $40,000 to $120,000.
How ROBS Helps to Secure an SBA Loan
ROBS allows entrepreneurs to use retirement funds to start or buy a business with money that has been invested in a 401(k), IRA or other qualified account as a down payment for an SBA loan without triggering any tax penalties. Using a ROBS account to fund your down payment also makes it easier to qualify for an SBA loan As long as you have at least $50,000 in a retirement account that can be rolled over in a ROBS account you may qualify for this type of funding.
When you combine a ROB account with an SBA loan, you’ll access capital from two different sources, thus reducing the amount needed from each. You’ll save money on interest and reduce your monthly payment. Securing a loan with ROBS can allow you to become debt-free sooner, putting you on the road to profitability.
Make ROBS Management Easy With Our BORSA Plan
Funding your business with a ROBS account requires several necessary steps, including the establishment of a “C” Corporation. Ongoing management is also necessary to ensure that you remain in compliance with all regulations (i.e. DOL, IRS, etc.). DRDA’s BORSA (Business Owner’s Retirement Savings Account), an exclusive ROBS plan that allows investors to access their 401(k) tax and penalty free will help set up your financing and perform the necessary ongoing work to make sure you remain in compliance with all ROBS requirements. Contact DRDA for more information and a consultation.
Contact us to learn more about BORSA (Business Owner’s Retirement Savings Account), our exclusive ROBS plan that allows investors to access their 401(k) tax and penalty free.
- Published in ROBS 401(k), ROBS 401k Provider, Starting a Business
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