Ep. 27 - Avoiding UBIT: Legal Strategies to Protect Your Retirement Plan Returns

What this episode covers

Click here to learn more about Self-Directed accounts with our FREE e-Guide!https://americanira.com/essential-guide-self-directed-iras-yt/Keith Blackborg is a CPA and wealth strategist who helps business owners reach "work optional" in 3–5 years, build virtual family offices, and leads a community of self-directed millionaires through his firm Financial Journey. In this presentation he explains Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT) and Unrelated Debt‑Financed Income (UDFI) and how otherwise tax-exempt passive investments can become taxable when tied to unrelated business activity, personal property rentals, or debt‑financed property. Keith covers the 401(k) UDFI exemption under IRC §514(c)(9), six common rule violations that trigger UDFI, the debt‑ratio calculation, and reporting obligations such as Form 990‑T and Schedule K‑1. He also outlines practical mitigation strategies — using 401(k) protections, structuring through C corporations or ROBS, favoring Roth accounts for high‑growth UBIT‑exposed investments, and using lending or corporate structures — to help retirement account holders and advisors reduce UBIT risk and stay compliant.

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