Jan
31
2024
Guide to Filing Your Taxes for the First Time

Beginner’s Guide on How to File Taxes

By | Life & Career, money | Comments Off on Beginner’s Guide on How to File Taxes

Welcome to the wonderful world of filing taxes, a key aspect of adulting. The process can be intimidating, especially for first-timers, but you will get the hang of it. Actually, once you’ve filed a couple of times, it can get easier, because you know just which documents and numbers you’ll need to complete your forms. That applies whether you file on your own or work with a tax preparer.

So, here’s a great starting point for learning how to file taxes when you aren’t so familiar with the procedure. Read on for the details you need, including:

•   What you need to file taxes

•   Where you can file your taxes

•   How can you pay your taxes

•   Tips for first-time tax filers

•   Mistakes to avoid when filing your taxes.

What Do You Need to File Your Taxes?

If this is your first time filing, it’s a good idea to gather everything you need before you sit down at a computer or with an accountant. Here’s what you’ll need:

•   Social Security number: If you aren’t sure, ask your parents or legal guardians. Once you start filing taxes, it’s a good idea for you to keep your Social Security card and other important documents, like your birth certificate, instead of leaving them at your parents’ house.

•   Wage and income information: For most first-time filers, this will simply be a W-2 form from your employer.

◦   If you did any freelance or contacted work, you should receive 1099 forms from each entity that paid you.

◦   If you have a bank account or investments that earned interest, and you will have received forms for those, typically a 1099-INT or 1099-DIV.

•   Documentation for tax credits and deductions: When doing your taxes at a young age, it is unlikely that you will qualify for many tax credits and deductions, if any at all. And because the standard deduction has increased significantly over the years, you will likely take the standard deduction (instead of itemized), for which you won’t need any documentation.

◦   If you’re a student, also look for the form 1098-T from your school, which details tuition payments you have made and funds received (such as grants), to help you identify whether you are eligible for any deductions. In addition, be aware that some college scholarships or grants may be considered taxable income.

•   Bank account info: If you expect to receive a refund and want the money electronically deposited into your bank account, you need to have your account number and routing number at the ready. If you owe money, you can pay from your bank account, a credit or debit card, or a paper check or money order.

The IRS also advises checking with parents before filing to see if they are claiming you as a dependent.

💡 Quick Tip: An online bank account with SoFi can help your money earn more — up to 4.00% APY, with no minimum balance required.

Where Can You Fill Out Your Taxes?

When learning how to do taxes for the first time, one big question is exactly where to get this done. The IRS allows you to fill out your taxes in several ways, either on paper or electronically.

Filing Online

You can file online directly through the IRS website with a tool called IRS Free File. And if your adjusted gross income (AGI) is $79,000 or less, the IRS even offers free guided tax preparation. Even if you brought in more than $79,000, the IRS makes all its tax forms available for e-file free of charge.

However, navigating tax forms can be overwhelming. Purchased tax software comes with educational resources and interactive platforms that prompt you for the correct information. Using tax software could help filers avoid math errors and find deductions and tax credits they may not have otherwise known about.

As a filer, it’s up to you to research popular tax software solutions (such as TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxSlayer, and TaxAct) and find the option that suits you best. Prices can range from about $25 to $89 and up.

Filing Manually

The old method of filing by hand with pen and paper is still possible, but the IRS has warned that returns filed on paper can take six or more months to process.

Because pen and paper can lead to more errors, it is a good idea for first-time and veteran filers to utilize free or purchased online software or even a tax professional.

Recommended: How Long Does It Take for the IRS to Mail Tax Refund Checks?

Filing With a Professional

Tax professionals can file manually and online, but the IRS encourages all accountants to utilize the online option. For a speedy return and fewer errors, most tax professionals will likely file electronically for you.

As a first-time filer, your tax situation will not likely be complex enough to warrant a tax professional. But as your finances become more complicated — with investments, real estate, small business ownership, and more — a tax accountant may make sense.

Another benefit of working with an accountant can be their training and knowledge. A professional may be able to help you find (legal) ways to pay less taxes.

Get up to $300 when you bank with SoFi.

No account or overdraft fees. No minimum balance.

Up to 4.00% APY on savings balances.

Up to 2-day-early paycheck.

Up to $2M of additional
FDIC insurance.


How Do You Pay Your Taxes?

When filing taxes for the first time, there’s a good chance you will not owe anything. In the event that you do owe the government money, however, you have multiple options for paying your taxes:

•   Direct Pay: The amount owed will be debited from a checking or savings account.

•   Credit or debit card: You can pay your outstanding tax balance with a debit or credit card online. This is a nice option if you have cash back rewards, but you will typically be paying a high interest rate if you carry a balance.

•   Check or money order: The IRS still accepts checks in the mail, as well as money orders.

•   Installment agreement: If you cannot afford your tax bill all at once, you can use the IRS Online Payment Agreement tool to apply for an installment plan.

Filing Tips for First-Timers

Feeling nervous about doing taxes for the first time? Here are some tips for making the experience easier; consider them steps for how beginners can file taxes.

1. Watch Your Income

To determine if you need to file, you can watch your income throughout the year. Once you pass a certain threshold, you will be required to file. This filing threshold can vary depending on your situation, so you’ll need to check out the IRS filing requirements .

If you know that you will make enough money to pay taxes, it’s a good idea to ensure your employer is withholding the proper amount of money from each paycheck for federal, state, city, and even school district taxes. If you believe your employer is not withholding enough (or is withholding too much), the IRS recommends filling out a Form W-4 to change your withholding.

Recommended: What Tax Bracket Am I In?

2. Gather All Necessary Documents

Tax documents will start arriving in the mail or digitally early in the new year, typically near the end of January or in early February. As these documents come in, it’s wise to store them in a safe place, like a manila folder in a fire safe or an encrypted folder on your computer. When it’s time to file, you’ll be able to access all your tax forms quickly and easily, rather than hunting all over for them. Being organized this way can also help you be aware of any missing tax documents.

If your tax situation is more complex — for instance, if you are self-employed, receive student loans, or make charitable donations — it’s a good idea to hold on to relevant forms throughout the year. Self-employed individuals, for example, may want to save receipts for business expenses incurred throughout the year. These can help you claim tax deductions for freelancers.

3. Learn About Potential Credits

When filing taxes for the first time, you may not be eligible for many tax credits. Tax preparation software, a tax professional, or even the IRS’s guided filing tool may be able to help you find out which credits you qualify for.

Before filing on your own, it could be wise to review the IRS list of tax credits for individuals to see if any apply to you.

4. Understand Potential Deductions

Similarly, most first-time filers will want to take the standard deduction instead of itemizing because it may offer the larger discount. However, the IRS does offer itemized deductions for student loan interest and work expenses, if you are self-employed.

You can familiarize yourself with IRS deductions, including tax deductions for college students (if that applies) before filing to determine if itemizing deductions is right for you.

5. Hit Your Deadlines

Tax Day in the United States is traditionally April 15, but if that date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the tax deadline moves out to the next business day.

If you owe estimated taxes each quarter (say, if you are self-employed), you will need to pay taxes four times a year. Working with a tax accountant may be in your best interest. Members of the Armed Forces may have special rules governing the due date of their taxes.

Individuals can also apply for a tax extension; this extends the due date of filing, but not the due date of payment. That means you might get a six-month extension to file the paperwork, but if you have not paid what you owe by April 15, you could be subject to late penalties.

Do You Need to File Taxes Every Year?

Not everyone is required to file tax returns every year. It all comes down to your unique tax situation and how much you earned. However, if you earn income throughout the year, there is a good chance you will need to file. It’s a good idea to review the IRS filing requirements or speak with an accountant if you are not sure.

Tax Filing Mistakes to Avoid

Working with tax preparation software or an accountant can help avoid some common mistakes when filing taxes, but familiarizing yourself with some of the most common errors can be helpful, no matter how you’re filing:

•   Forgetting about state and city. We often think about federal income taxes, but your city and state (and maybe even school district) could also have their own taxes that you are required to pay.

•   Not filing. Income thresholds can change each year. It’s always a good idea to check whether you are required to file taxes for a given year even if you didn’t have to for the previous year.

•   Not checking with parents. If you are filing taxes for the first time, your parents are likely used to claiming you as a dependent. Talking with them about dependent status before filing could be a smart move.

•   Filing without all your forms. Getting taxes over with early can relieve a lot of stress (and means you can get your tax refund early), but if you have any tax form stragglers, like a 1099, that appear in the mail after you’ve completed your taxes, you might land in trouble with the IRS.

•   Entering in the wrong info. Tax preparation is not something to speed through. Even though e-filing helps avoid simple pen-and-paper mistakes, it’s still possible to incorrectly enter things like your birth date or Social Security number. Slow and steady — with lots of double- and triple-checking — wins the race.

The Takeaway

Filing taxes as a beginner can be intimidating, but if you put some time and organizational effort into the process, it can go smoothly. You’ll also be better prepared for next year’s Tax Day once you’ve filed. Whether you do your own taxes or work with a tax professional, it’s wise to gather the necessary paperwork, understand your potential credits and deductions, and file on time and precisely.

The fastest way to get a tax refund, if you’re due one, is a direct deposit into your bank account. If you’re a first-time filer, it’s wise to have an account ready to receive any funds heading your way.

Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.


Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy up to 4.00% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

FAQ

What happens if you make an error on your taxes?

As soon as you realize you have made a mistake on your taxes, you can amend it with Form 1040-X or by calling the IRS at 800-829-1040. In general, the IRS does not consider mistakes to be tax fraud, though you may end up paying late penalties. If you have intentionally made errors and the IRS catches you, you could be charged with a tax crime.

How much income do I need to make in order to pay taxes?

The amount of income that you need to make to pay taxes can fluctuate each year and depends on your filing status (single; head of household; married, filing jointly; married, filing separately; qualifying widow/widower). For the most recent tax season, a single filer under 65 needed to make $13,850 or more to file.

What is the deadline for filing taxes?

In general, the tax deadline in the U.S. is April 15. If this date falls on a weekend or legal holiday, the deadline shifts to the next business day. Members of the military may have special rules affecting their deadline, and self-employed individuals typically must pay quarterly estimated taxes throughout the year.

How can I avoid tax scams?

The best way to avoid tax scams is to educate yourself on what they look like. The most common tax scams are email phishing scams and phone scams. Remember that the IRS will never email you requesting personal or financial information nor will the IRS call you and threaten legal action or leave pre-recorded, urgent messages.

Photo credit: iStock/PeopleImages

SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2024 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.00% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi members with direct deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

As an alternative to direct deposit, SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant. SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits are not eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 4.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until you have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Direct Deposit.

Members without either Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances.

Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 12/3/24. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

SOBK0124073

Read more
Jan
30
2024
Can You Have Multiple IRAs?

Can You Have Multiple IRAs?

By | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing, Preparing for Retirement | Comments Off on Can You Have Multiple IRAs?

In theory, there’s no limit to how many individual retirement accounts (IRAs) one person can have. A retirement saver could potentially maintain more than one traditional IRA, Roth IRA, rollover IRA, or simplified employee pension (SEP) IRA in order to gain certain tax advantages now, and potentially down the road.

That said, the rules governing these different IRA accounts vary considerably, and combining many IRAs — without running afoul of contribution limits or creating tax issues — can be difficult.

How Many Roth and Traditional IRAs Can You Have?

As mentioned above, you may open any number of individual retirement accounts (IRAs). The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) does not limit the number of IRAs you can have and will not penalize you for having multiple IRAs in your name, as long as you follow the rules and contribution limits for each account.

One or more IRAs could work in tandem with a 401(k) workplace retirement plan. For instance, you might put part of each paycheck into a 401(k) plan at work while also maxing out your traditional IRA contributions every year. There might be restrictions, though, about the amount you can deduct.

An individual’s annual contribution limit — for traditional and Roth IRAs combined — is $7,000 for the 2024 tax year and $6,500 for the 2023 tax year. The limit is $7,500 for savers age 50 or older.

Recommended: What is an IRA?

Types of IRA

The two main account types are the traditional IRA and the Roth IRA. Again, your traditional IRA withdrawals are taxed at your ordinary income tax rate in retirement while Roth IRA money can be withdrawn tax-free.

With a traditional IRA, contributions can provide tax deductions when the money is deposited. Qualified distributions are taxed as ordinary income in retirement. Funds distributed before the account holder reaches age 59 ½ are usually subject to an added 10% tax.

Roth IRA contributions do not qualify for a deduction when deposited. However, when the account holder reaches age 59 ½, the money may be withdrawn tax-free. As with traditional IRAs, you can have multiple Roth IRAs.

There is a third type of IRA, the SEP IRA. These IRAs have higher contribution limits: up to $69,000 for tax year 2024 and $66,000 for tax year 2023, or 25% of compensation, whichever is less. But because these are employer-funded plans, they follow a different set of rules.

If you are self-employed and contributing to a SEP IRA on your own behalf, or if you work for a company with a SEP plan, you may or may not have the option of making traditional IRA contributions — but you could likely contribute to a Roth in addition to the SEP.

You may want to consult with a professional so you don’t over-contribute — or contribute less than you could have — or miss out on any of the potential tax benefits.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Multiple IRAs

Whether it makes sense for you to have multiple IRAs can depend on many factors, including your investment goals, financial situation, marital status, and career plans.

Advantages

Here are some of the chief advantages of maintaining more than one IRA:

•   Tax management. Traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs are taxed differently, as mentioned above. Also, traditional IRAs are subject to required minimum distributions (RMDs), which can increase your taxable income in retirement, while Roth IRAs are not. Having money in both types of IRA could make your retirement investing more tax-efficient.

•   Diversification. Diversification can help manage investment risk. Holding money in multiple IRAs, each with a different investment strategy, could help you create a diversified portfolio.

   Diversification may also benefit you from a tax perspective if you keep less tax-efficient investments in a traditional IRA and more tax-efficient ones in a Roth IRA.

•   Access. Traditional IRAs do not permit early withdrawals before age 59 ½ without triggering a tax penalty. You can, however, withdraw your original contributions from a Roth IRA at any time without owing income tax or penalties on those distributions. Having one IRA of each type could make it less expensive for you to withdraw money early if needed. This is possible whether investing online or not.

•   Avoiding RMDs. Traditional IRAs are subject to RMD rules, which dictate that you must begin taking minimum IRA distributions at age 72. If you don’t, the IRS can levy a steep tax penalty. Roth IRAs aren’t subject to RMD rules, so they could help you hang on to more assets as you age.

Disadvantages

Opening and funding multiple IRAs isn’t always an optimal strategy. Here are some disadvantages that may make you reconsider having several IRAs:

•   Contribution limits. The IRS caps the amount you can contribute in a given year. For 2024, your total contributions to all your IRAs cannot exceed $7,000 (or $8,000 if you’re 50 or older). For 2023, your total contributions to all your IRAs cannot exceed $6,500 (or $7,500 if you’re 50 or older). So having multiple IRAs doesn’t give you an edge in saving up for retirement.

•   Overweighting. When a significant share of your asset allocation is dedicated to a single stock, security, or sector, your portfolio is overweight. This overexposure can heighten your risk profile, such that a downturn in that investment could drag down your entire portfolio. Having multiple IRAs may put you at risk of being overweight if you’re not careful about reviewing the holdings in each account.

•   Fees. Brokerages often charge various fees to maintain IRAs. Plus, within each IRA, you may have to pay additional fees for specific investments. For example, a mutual fund has an annual ownership cost signified by its expense ratio. If you’re not paying attention to each IRA’s fees, it’s possible that you could overpay and shrink your investment returns.

•   Organization. Having multiple IRAs could present an organizational burden in the form of additional paperwork or, if you manage your IRAs online, logging in to multiple brokerages or robo-advisor platforms. You may also worry about increased risk for cybercrime.

Reasons You Might Want More Than One IRA

Evaluating your investment goals can help you decide if having more than one IRA makes sense for you. But you may need extra accounts if you’re:

•   Rolling over a 401(k). When separating from your employer, you could leave your 401(k) money where it is or roll it into a traditional IRA instead. If you open a rollover IRA and already have a Roth account too, you may end up with multiple IRAs.

•   Planning a backdoor Roth. Roth IRAs offer tax-free distributions but there’s a catch: To fund one, you have to meet eligibility requirements pertaining to your income and filing status. People who are over the income limit sometimes work around it by setting up a traditional IRA and later transferring some of that money to a Roth IRA. Taxes are levied on the transferred amount. This arrangement is known as a Roth conversion or backdoor Roth.

•   Married and the sole income-earner. The IRS allows married couples who file a joint tax return to each contribute to IRAs, even when one spouse does not have taxable compensation. So if you’re the breadwinner in your relationship, you could set up an IRA for yourself and open a spousal IRA to make contributions on behalf of your spouse.

•   Self-employed or plan to be. People who are self-employed can use traditional, Roth, or SEP IRAs to save for retirement. You might end up with multiple IRAs if you were an employee who had a traditional or Roth IRA, then later went out on your own as an entrepreneur. You could then open a SEP IRA, which allows for tax-deductible contributions and a higher annual contribution limit ($69,000 in 2024, and $66,000 in 2023).

Reasons You Might Want Your IRAs With Different Companies

Whether you’re planning to open your first IRA or your fifth, it’s important to choose the right place to keep your retirement savings. You can open an IRA with a traditional broker, an online brokerage, or sometimes at your bank or credit union.

So why would you want to have your IRAs in different places? Two big reasons for that center on investment options and insurance.

Setting up IRAs at different brokerages could offer you greater exposure to a wider variety of investments. Every brokerage has its own policies on IRA assets. One brokerage might lean almost exclusively toward investing in exchange-traded funds (ETFs) or index funds, for example, while another might allow you to purchase individual stocks or bonds through your IRA.

You can also benefit from increased insurance coverage. The Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) insures Roth IRAs and other eligible investment accounts up to $500,000 per person. Under those rules, you could have a traditional IRA at one brokerage and a Roth IRA at another and they’d both be covered up to $500,000.

Note: SIPC coverage only protects you against the possibility of your brokerage failing, not against any financial losses associated with changes in the value of your investments.

How to Transfer an IRA to Another Investment Company

It’s fairly straightforward to move an IRA from one brokerage to another. First you need to set up an IRA at the new brokerage. Then you’d contact your current brokerage to initiate the transfer of some or all of your IRA funds.

You can request a trustee-to-trustee transfer, which allows your current IRA company to move the money to the new IRA on your behalf. No taxes are withheld on the transfer amount and you also avoid the risk of triggering a tax penalty.

The IRS also allows 60-day rollovers, in which you get a distribution from your existing IRA then redeposit it into your new retirement account. Taxes are withheld, so you’ll have to make that amount up when you deposit the money to your new IRA. If you fail to complete the rollover within 60 days, the IRS treats the deal as a taxable distribution.

The Takeaway

Investing in multiple IRAs is perfectly legal and, in theory, you can have an unlimited number of them. The IRS’s annual limits on contributions apply across all your accounts, however. Traditional and Roth IRAs have different tax rules and can sometimes be useful to offset each other. SEP IRAs offer the potential to save more, thanks to their higher contribution limits. Wage earners can often contribute to separate accounts for their non-working spouses, potentially doubling the amount of allowable contributions.

If you have yet to set up an IRA, getting started is easier than you might think. With SoFi Invest, you can open a traditional or Roth IRA. And you may want to consider doing a rollover IRA, where you roll over old 401(k) funds so that you can better manage all your retirement money.

SoFi makes the rollover process seamless and simple, so you don’t have to worry about transferring funds yourself, or potentially incurring a penalty. There are no rollover fees, and you can complete your 401(k) rollover without a lot of time or hassle.

Help grow your nest egg with a SoFi IRA.

FAQ

Does it make sense to have multiple IRAs?

Having more than one IRA could make sense for some people, depending on their investment strategies. When maintaining multiple IRAs, the most important thing to keep in mind are the limits on annual contributions. It’s also helpful to weigh the investment options offered and the fees you might pay to own multiple IRAs.

Can I have both a traditional and a Roth IRA?

Yes, you can have both a traditional IRA and a Roth IRA. However, your total contribution to all your IRAs cannot exceed the annual limits allowed by the IRS.

How many Roth IRAs can I have?

A person can have any number of Roth IRAs. The IRS does, however, set guidelines on who can contribute to a Roth IRA and the maximum amount you can contribute each year.

Photo credit: iStock/Prostock-Studio

SoFi Invest®

INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE

SoFi Invest encompasses two distinct companies, with various products and services offered to investors as described below: Individual customer accounts may be subject to the terms applicable to one or more of these platforms.
1) Automated Investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser (“SoFi Wealth“). Brokerage services are provided to SoFi Wealth LLC by SoFi Securities LLC.
2) Active Investing and brokerage services are provided by SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA (www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org). Clearing and custody of all securities are provided by APEX Clearing Corporation.
For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest platforms described above please visit SoFi.com/legal.
Neither the Investment Advisor Representatives of SoFi Wealth, nor the Registered Representatives of SoFi Securities are compensated for the sale of any product or service sold through any SoFi Invest platform.


Investment Risk: Diversification can help reduce some investment risk. It cannot guarantee profit, or fully protect in a down market.

SOIN0322050

Read more
Jan
30
2024
child with magnifying glass

Custodial Roth IRA: How to Open a Roth IRA For Kids

By | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing, Preparing for Retirement | Comments Off on Custodial Roth IRA: How to Open a Roth IRA For Kids

A Roth IRA can be a retirement savings tool for children as well as adults. Funded with after-tax dollars, a Roth IRA grows tax-free, so account holders won’t need to pay taxes when they withdraw money in retirement as long as the account has been open for at least five years. Plus, the money in a Roth IRA will have many decades to grow if you open it when your child is young.

And while a Roth IRA has an early distribution penalty, that penalty is generally waived for certain expenses, such as paying for qualified college expenses, if your child needs to access those funds. That flexibility can make a Roth IRA appealing.

Can you open a Roth IRA for a child? Yes! A Roth IRA for kids, called a Custodial Roth IRA, can be opened by a parent, grandparent, or other adult for a child of any age, as long as the child earns income (more on that later).

Here’s everything you need to know about a Roth IRA for kids.

🛈 Currently, SoFi does not offer custodial banking or investment products.

What Is a Roth IRA for Kids?

A Roth IRA for kids, also known as a custodial Roth IRA, is an IRA opened by an adult (usually a parent), who manages the account until the child gets full control of it, which is at age 18 or 21 in most states.

A custodial Roth IRA for kids generally operates in the same way a Roth IRA for adults does. The account holder contributes after-tax dollars toward their retirement savings and the money grows tax-free in the account.

In order to open and contribute to a Roth IRA, your child must have earned income.

Who’s Eligible for a Roth IRA for Kids?

A child of any age can have a Roth IRA for kids. However, to be eligible, a child must have an earned income. Earned income can include the compensation earned from jobs like babysitting, dog walking, or working for an employer.

Custodial Roth IRA Rules

In addition to the standard rules for a Roth IRA, there are specific rules for custodial Roth IRAs. These rules include:

No Minimum Age Limit

A child of any age can have a custodial Roth IRA as long as he or she has earned income.

A Child Must Have Earned Income

In order to open a custodial Roth IRA, a child must have earned income. The IRS generally defines earned income as taxable income, wages, and tips. This can also include self-employment, such as yard work or babysitting. Cash gifts given to a child do not count as earned income.

There Are Contribution Limits

The contribution limit for a Roth IRA is $7,000 for 2024 ($8,000 for those 50 and older), or the total of the individual’s earned income for the year, whichever is less.

In addition, a child (or an adult on behalf of a child) cannot contribute an amount greater than the child’s earned income. So if a child earned $2,000 as a lifeguard at the local swimming pool, for example, the most that can be contributed to the child’s custodial IRA that year, including contributions from parents, is $2,000.

Certain Early Withdrawals Are Allowed

In general, you can withdraw contributions from a Roth IRA at any time without penalty. Earnings typically can’t be withdrawn before age 59 ½ without penalty except in certain circumstances. Allowable exceptions include withdrawals up to certain limits to pay for qualified college expenses, cover certain medical bills, and to buy a first home.

Eventual Conversion to a Regular Roth IRA

When the child reaches the legal age in their state (typically 18 or 21, depending on the state), the custodial Roth IRA will need to be converted to a regular Roth IRA in the child’s name.

How to Open a Custodial Roth IRA for a Kid

A Roth IRA for kids can be opened by any adult, such as a parent or grandparent, for instance. While the child is a minor, the adult will have sole access to the account; once the child comes of age (the timing of which varies by state), the account will transfer over to the child.

As with any Roth IRA, investment options within the account can include stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.

A Roth IRA can be opened through a financial institution or brokerage firm. You can typically open the account online by providing some basic information about yourself and your child. Choosing the right institution and Roth IRA offering depends on the investor and their preferences, so be sure to do some research.

Benefits of Starting a Roth IRA for a Child

Flexibility in how to use the funds can be one benefit of opening a custodial Roth IRA as part of an investment plan for your child. A Roth IRA can provide flexibility not only for potential expenses in early adulthood — such as college expenses or buying a home — but can be an investment vehicle throughout your child’s lifetime.

Another benefit is that a Roth IRA typically gives you more control over investments than an education-focused 529 college savings plan, and it may allow you to create a diversified portfolio of different asset classes.

A Roth IRA is a gift that can keep growing, since investors can potentially maximize compounding returns to get the most out of their investment. Here’s how a Roth IRA may unlock the power of compounding: As an example, let’s say you open a custodial Roth IRA when the child is 10 years old, and contribute $2,000 annually. At a certain point, your child might take over contributing $2,000 annually.

Assuming a 7% rate of return, the account will be worth $928,000 by the time your child is 60 years old — even though the amount you and your child contributed would be $100,000 in total. In comparison, if that same money was put in a taxable savings account over the same time period, the total of the account would be approximately $515,764.

And unlike a traditional IRA, there is no required minimum distribution (RMD) on a Roth IRA once the account owner reaches retirement age. A Roth IRA also allows people to continue contributing throughout their lifetime, as long as they’re earning income.

Alternatives to a Roth IRA for a Kid

If you’re looking for other possible investments for your child, some options to consider include the following.

•   Savings account: A parent can open a savings account for a child, as long as the parent is a joint account holder. Savings accounts typically have low interest rates (as of January 2024, the average interest rate for a savings account was 0.47%), so you might want to look for a high-yield savings account instead. These accounts have average interest rates of more than 4% as of early 2024.

•   Savings bonds: If your child doesn’t have earned income, you may want to consider savings bonds. However, savings bonds don’t offer the same potential tax advantages a Roth IRA does since you have to pay federal income tax on the bonds when they mature or you cash them. You won’t pay income taxes on Roth IRA earnings unless you take a non-qualified distribution.

•   529 plans: These plans can help you save for your child’s education. You can typically invest the money you contribute to a 529 plan and choose from a wide range of investment options. While these plans aren’t tax deductible at the federal level, your state may offer tax breaks for contributions made to them. And funds can be withdrawn tax-free for qualified education expenses. As of 2024, money left in a 529 may be rolled over to a Roth IRA for your child, although certain conditions and limits may apply.

•   UGMA/UTMA accounts: A Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA) account and a Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) account are custodial accounts in which an adult can invest on behalf of a child. These accounts are typically used to invest in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and so on. There are no contribution or income limits, and gifts below the annual gift threshold do not need to be reported. However, there are no tax benefits when contributions are made, and earnings are made to these accounts, and earnings are subject to taxes. When the child reaches legal age, they take over control of the account.

The Takeaway

For a child with earned income, a custodial Roth IRA may be a good way to help them prepare for their future and get started on the path to investing. A child does need to have an earned income to open a custodial Roth IRA, and contributions cannot exceed their income. If your child qualifies, a Roth IRA for kids could potentially give them years of tax-free growth on their money.

FAQ

Can you open a Roth IRA for a child if they don’t earn income?

No. A child must have earned income — which the IRS defines as wages, salaries, tips and other taxable employee compensation, as well as net earnings from self-employment — in order to open a custodial Roth IRA.

Can you open a Roth IRA for a baby?

It’s possible to open an IRA for a baby. As long as a baby earns an income — modeling baby clothes, for instance — you can open a custodial Roth IRA for them. There is no minimum age to open a custodial Roth IRA, but the child must have earned income.

Is it a good idea to open a Roth IRA for a child?

It may be a good idea to open a Roth IRA for a child for several reasons. A Roth IRA can help a child save up for and cover certain expenses in early adulthood, such as qualified college expenses. Also, a Roth IRA typically has higher returns than a savings account. And because kids have a low tax rate now, when contributions are made, it makes sense to open a Roth IRA, which is taxed upfront. At retirement, as long as they are at least age 59 ½, they can withdraw the money tax-free.

Can I give my child money for a Roth IRA?

Yes, you can contribute to your child’s IRA. However, annual contributions to the account cannot exceed the child’s annual earned income. Also, per IRS rules, the overall amount you can contribute to a Roth IRA is to $7,000 in 2024 for individuals under age 50, or the total annual earned income, whichever is less.

What is the disadvantage of a Roth IRA for kids?

One potential disadvantage of an IRA for kids is that your child must earn an income in order to open and contribute to an account. In addition, you can only contribute the amount the child earns. So if the child makes $500 for the year babysitting, that is the most you can contribute to their custodial Roth IRA.

Can I open a Roth IRA for my 2 year old?

As long as your 2-year-old earns an income, you can open a custodial Roth IRA for them. There is no minimum age requirement for a Roth IRA for kids.

How do I prove my child’s income for a Roth IRA?

If your child receives a W-2 or 1099 form for work they did for an employer, you can use those documents to prove your child’s income. However, if they are self-employed and do work like babysitting, dog walking or yard work to earn money, you should keep receipts or records of the type of work they did, the amount they earned, when the work was done, and who it was for, as proof of their income.

What happens to a custodial Roth IRA when the child turns 18?

Once a child is of legal age, which is typically 18 or 21, depending on your state, the IRA must be converted to a regular Roth IRA in the child’s name that they then own and manage.

Do children need to file a tax return to fund their Roth IRA?

As long as their income is below the threshold that requires them to file a tax return, children are typically not required to file a tax return just because they have a custodial IRA. However, you may want to consult with a tax professional about your specific situation.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

SoFi Invest®

INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE

SoFi Invest encompasses two distinct companies, with various products and services offered to investors as described below: Individual customer accounts may be subject to the terms applicable to one or more of these platforms.
1) Automated Investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser (“SoFi Wealth“). Brokerage services are provided to SoFi Wealth LLC by SoFi Securities LLC.
2) Active Investing and brokerage services are provided by SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA (www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org). Clearing and custody of all securities are provided by APEX Clearing Corporation.
For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest platforms described above please visit SoFi.com/legal.
Neither the Investment Advisor Representatives of SoFi Wealth, nor the Registered Representatives of SoFi Securities are compensated for the sale of any product or service sold through any SoFi Invest platform.

SOIN0124015

Read more
Jan
30
2024
Man with smartphone

Roth IRA Conversion: Rules and Examples

By | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing, Preparing for Retirement | Comments Off on Roth IRA Conversion: Rules and Examples

A Roth IRA is a retirement savings account that offers tax-free withdrawals during retirement. You can convert a traditional IRA or a qualified distribution from a previous employer-sponsored plan, such as a 401(k), into a Roth IRA. This is known as a Roth IRA conversion.

A Roth IRA conversion may be worth considering for the potential tax benefits. Along with tax-free qualified withdrawals in retirement, the money in a Roth IRA has the potential to grow tax-free. Read on to learn how a conversion works, the Roth IRA conversion rules, and whether a Roth IRA conversion may make sense for you.

What Is a Roth IRA Conversion?

With a Roth IRA conversion, an individual moves the funds from another retirement plan into a Roth IRA. You pay taxes on the money in your existing account in order to move it to a Roth IRA.

Many retirement plans, such as 401(k)s and traditional IRAs are tax-deferred. The money is contributed to your account with pre-tax dollars. In retirement, you would pay taxes on your withdrawals. But by doing a Roth conversion, you pay taxes on the money you convert to a Roth IRA, and the money can then potentially grow tax-free. In retirement, you can make qualified withdrawals from the Roth IRA tax-free.

You can convert all or part of your money to a Roth IRA.

💡 Quick Tip: Look for an online brokerage with low trading commissions as well as no account minimum. Higher fees can cut into investment returns over time.

How Does a Roth IRA Conversion Work?

As mentioned, when converting to a Roth IRA, an individual must pay taxes on the contributions and gains in their current retirement plan because only after-tax contributions are allowed to a Roth IRA. They can typically convert their funds to a Roth IRA in one of three ways:

•   An indirect rollover: With this method, the owner of the account receives a distribution from a traditional IRA and can then contribute it to a Roth IRA within 60 days.

•   A trustee-to-trustee, or direct IRA rollover: The account owner tells the financial institution currently holding the traditional IRA assets to transfer an amount directly to the trustee of a new Roth IRA account at a different financial institution.

•   A same-trustee transfer: This is used when a traditional IRA is housed in the same financial institution as the new Roth IRA. The owner of the account alerts the institution to transfer an amount from the traditional IRA to the Roth IRA.

Get a 1% IRA match on rollovers and contributions.

Double down on your retirement goals with a 1% match on every dollar you roll over and contribute to a SoFi IRA.1

1Terms and conditions apply. Roll over a minimum of $20K to receive the 1% match offer. Matches on contributions are made up to the annual limits.

Roth IRA Conversion Rules

There are a number of rules that govern a Roth IRA conversion. Before you proceed with a conversion, it’s important to understand what;’s involved. Roth IRA conversion rules include:

Taxes

You’ll pay taxes on a traditional IRA or 401(k) before you convert it to a Roth IRA. This includes the tax-deductible contributions you’ve made to the account as well as the tax-deferred earnings. They will be taxed as ordinary income in the year that you make the conversion. Because they’re considered additional income, they could put you into a higher marginal tax bracket. You’ll also need to make sure you have the money on hand to pay the taxes.

Limits

There are two types of limits to be aware of with a Roth IRA conversion. First, there is no limit to the number or size of Roth IRA conversions you can make. You might want to convert smaller amounts of money into a Roth IRA over a period of several years to help manage the amount of taxes you’ll need to pay in one year.

Second, Roth IRAs have contribution limits. For instance, in 2024, you can typically contribute up to $7,000, or up to $8,000 if you’re 50 or older.

Withdrawals

The withdrawals you make from a Roth IRA are tax-free. However, with a Roth IRA conversion, if you are under age 59 ½, you will need to wait at least five years before withdrawing the money or you’ll be subject to a 10% early withdrawal penalty (more on that below).

Backdoor Roth IRAs

A Roth IRA conversion may be an option to consider if you earn too much money to otherwise be eligible for a Roth IRA. Roth IRAs have contribution phase-out ranges, and individuals whose income exceeds those limits cannot contribute to a Roth fully or at all. For 2024, the income limits begin to phase out at $230,000 for those who are married and filing jointly, and $146,000 for those who are single.

However, if you have a traditional IRA and convert it to a Roth IRA — a process known as a backdoor Roth IRA — those income phase-out rules don’t apply. You can use a backdoor IRA as long as you pay taxes on any contributions to the traditional IRA that you deducted from your taxes, as well as any profits you earned.

5-Year Rule

According to the 5-year rule, if you are under age 59 ½, the funds that you convert to a Roth IRA must remain in your account for at least five years or you could be subject to a 10% early withdrawal penalty.

The five years starts at the beginning of the calendar year in which you do the conversion. So even if you don’t do the conversion until, say, December 2024, the five years still begins in January 2024. That means you could withdraw your funds in January 2029.

Also, if you complete separate Roth IRA conversions in different years, the 5-year rule would apply to each of them, so keep this in mind.

💡 Quick Tip: How much does it cost to set up an IRA? Often there are no fees to open an IRA, but you typically pay investment costs for the securities in your portfolio.

Is Converting to a Roth IRA Right for You?

Doing a Roth IRA conversion means paying taxes now on the funds you are converting in order to withdraw money tax-free in retirement. Here’s how to decide if converting a Roth IRA may be right for you

Reasons For

If you anticipate being in a higher tax bracket in retirement than you’re in now, a Roth IRA conversion may make sense for you. That’s because you’ll pay taxes on the money now at a lower rate, rather than paying them when you retire, when you expect your tax rate will be higher.

In addition, with a Roth IRA, you won’t have to take required minimum distributions (RMDs) every year after the age of 73 as you would with a traditional IRA. Instead, the money can stay right in the account — where it may continue to grow — until it’s actually needed.

If your income is too high for you to be eligible for a Roth IRA, a Roth IRA conversion might be beneficial through a backdoor IRA. You will just need to put your funds into a traditional IRA first and pay the taxes on them.

Finally, if you won’t need the funds in your Roth IRA for at least five years, a conversion may also be worth considering.

Reasons Against

A Roth IRA conversion may not be the best fit for those who are nearing retirement and need their retirement savings to live on. In this case, you might not be able to recoup the taxes you’d need to pay for doing the conversion.

Additionally, if you receive Social Security or Medicare benefits, a Roth IRA conversion would increase your taxable income, which could increase the taxes you pay on Social Security. The cost of your Medicare benefits might also increase.

Those who don’t have the money readily available to pay the taxes required by the conversion should also think twice about an IRA conversion.

And if you expect to be in a lower tax bracket in retirement, a conversion also likely doesn’t make sense for you.

Finally, if you think you might need to withdraw funds from your account within five years, and you’re under age 59 ½, you could be subject to an early withdrawal penalty if you convert to a Roth IRA.

The Takeaway

A Roth IRA conversion may help individuals save on taxes because they can make qualified withdrawals tax-free withdrawals in retirement. For those who expect to be in a higher tax bracket in retirement, a Roth IRA may be worth considering.

It’s important to be aware of the tradeoffs involved, especially the amount of taxes you might have to pay in order to do the conversion. Making the right decisions now can help you reach your financial goals as you plan and save for retirement.

Ready to invest in your goals? It’s easy to get started when you open an investment account with SoFi Invest. You can invest in stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), mutual funds, alternative funds, and more. SoFi doesn’t charge commissions, but other fees apply (full fee disclosure here).

Invest with as little as $5 with a SoFi Active Investing account.

FAQ

How much tax do you pay on a Roth IRA conversion?

You pay tax on the money you convert, but the specific amount of tax you’ll pay depends on the marginal tax rate you’re in. Before doing a Roth IRA conversion, you may want to calculate to see if the funds you’re converting will put you into a higher tax bracket.

How many Roth iRA conversions are allowed per year?

There is no limit to the number of Roth conversions you can do in one year.

When is the deadline for Roth IRA conversions?

The deadline for a Roth IRA conversion is December 31 of the year you’re doing the conversion.

Is there a loophole for Roth IRA conversions?

A backdoor IRA might be considered a loophole for a Roth IRA conversion. Roth IRAs have contribution phase-out ranges, and individuals whose income exceeds those limits cannot contribute to a Roth fully or at all. However, a backdoor IRA may be a way to get around the income limits. To do it, you will need to have a traditional IRA that you convert to a Roth IRA.

How do I avoid taxes on Roth conversion?

You cannot avoid paying taxes on a Roth conversion. You must pay taxes on the money you convert.

How do you not lose money in a Roth IRA conversion?

To reduce the tax impact of a Roth IRA conversion, you may want to split the conversion into multiple conversions of smaller amounts over several years. If possible, try to do the conversions in years when your taxable income is lower.

Do you have to pay taxes immediately on Roth conversion?

Taxes on a Roth conversion are not due until the tax deadline of the following year.

Should a 65 year old do a Roth conversion?

It depends on an individual’s specific situation, but a Roth conversion may not make sense for a 65 year old if they need to live off their retirement savings or if they are receiving Social Security or Medicare benefits. A Roth IRA conversion could increase the taxes they pay on Social Security, and the cost of their Medicare benefits might rise.

Does a Roth conversion affect my Social Security?

It might. A Roth IRA conversion increases your taxable income, which could potentially increase the taxes you pay on Social Security.

Does a Roth conversion affect Medicare premiums?

A Roth IRA conversion may affect your Medicare premiums. Because it increases your taxable income, the cost of your Medicare benefits might increase as well.

What is the best Roth conversion strategy?

The best Roth conversion strategy depends on your particular situation, but in general, to help reduce your tax bill, you can aim to make the conversion in a year in which you expect your taxable income to be lower. You may also want to do multiple smaller conversions over several years, rather than one big conversion in one year, to help manage the taxes you owe.

Can you do Roth conversions after age 72?

Yes, you can do Roth conversions at any age. Some individuals may want to consider a Roth IRA conversion at 72 if they prefer to avoid paying the required minimum distributions (RMDs) for traditional IRAs that begin at age 73. If you convert before you turn 73, you will not be required to take RMDs.

How do I calculate my Roth conversion basis?

The concept of basis, or money that you’ve paid taxes on already, might be applicable if you’ve made non-deductible contributions to a tax-deferred retirement account. When you convert the money in that account, in order to calculate the percentage that’s tax-free, you need to divide your total nondeductible contributions by the end-of-year value of your IRA account plus the amount you’ve converting.

Do you have to wait 5 years for each Roth conversion?

No. There is no time limit for doing Roth conversions, and in fact, you can do as many as you like in one year. However, if you’re under age 59 ½, you do have to wait five years after each conversion to be able to withdraw money from the account without being subject to an early withdrawal penalty.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

SoFi Invest®

INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE

SoFi Invest encompasses two distinct companies, with various products and services offered to investors as described below: Individual customer accounts may be subject to the terms applicable to one or more of these platforms.
1) Automated Investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser (“SoFi Wealth“). Brokerage services are provided to SoFi Wealth LLC by SoFi Securities LLC.
2) Active Investing and brokerage services are provided by SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA (www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org). Clearing and custody of all securities are provided by APEX Clearing Corporation.
For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest platforms described above please visit SoFi.com/legal.
Neither the Investment Advisor Representatives of SoFi Wealth, nor the Registered Representatives of SoFi Securities are compensated for the sale of any product or service sold through any SoFi Invest platform.

SOIN0124013

Read more
Jan
30
2024
Comparing Personal Loans vs Business Loans

Comparing Personal Loans vs Business Loans

By | Budgeting & Goals, Financial Independence, Life & Career, personal_loan, SMB | Comments Off on Comparing Personal Loans vs Business Loans

If you’re looking to start or grow a side hustle or small business, you might think a business loan is the right next step. A personal loan, however, is another popular financial product that you also might be able to use. Or it could free up some cash by covering expenses elsewhere in your budget, so you can put more of your income toward funding your business.

Because there are potential benefits and disadvantages to both types of financing, it’s important to understand the differences. You’ll find that information here and be better equipped to decide whether a business loan vs. personal loan might work best for you.

What Is a Personal Loan?

A personal loan is a source of financing that a borrower typically can use for just about anything. (That said, you may need to get approval from your lender if you plan to use the money directly for your business. This is not always possible.)

Typically, you’ll find unsecured personal loans, with the borrower agreeing to pay back the full amount, plus interest, in fixed monthly payments within a predetermined time frame.

Some lenders also offer secured personal loans, however,which means some form of collateral is involved. Also, some offer personal loans with variable interest rates.

How Personal Loans Work

When you apply for a personal loan, you can expect the lender to review your personal financial information — including your credit score, credit reports, and income — to determine your eligibility. In general, the better your credit, the better your chances of receiving a lower interest rate.

Personal loan amounts vary, but some lenders offer personal loans for as much as $100,000.

Although most personal loans have shorter repayment terms, the length of a loan can vary from a few months to several years. Typically, they last from 12 to 84 months.


💡 Quick Tip: Some personal loan lenders can release your funds as quickly as the same day your loan is approved.

What is a Business Loan?

A business loan is a type of financing used specifically to pay for business expenses. It could be used to purchase equipment or inventory, for example, or to fund a new project.

There are many kinds of small business loans available — with different rates and repayment terms — including Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, equipment loans, micro loans, and more. Rates, terms, and loan requirements also can vary significantly depending on the lender.

How Business Loans Work

Applying for a business loan tends to be more complicated than getting a personal loan. For one thing, you’ll likely have to submit more paperwork to back up your application, including your business’s financial statements and an up-to-date business plan. The lender also usually will want to review your personal and business credit scores. And you may have to be more specific about what the loan will be used for than you would with a personal loan.

If your business is brand new, lenders may be reluctant to give you a business loan. Some lenders might ask you to put up some type of collateral to qualify.

Differences Between Business and Personal Loans

There are several factors you may want to evaluate if you’re trying to decide between a personal loan vs. a business loan, including the loan costs, how you plan to use the money, and how much you hope to borrow. Here’s a look at a few basic differences.

Cost Differences Between Business and Personal Loans

Whether you’re considering applying for a business loan or a personal loan to use for your business, it’s important to be clear about how much it could cost you upfront and over the life of the loan.

Interest Rates

Interest rates for business loans can be lower than for the interest rates for personal loans, but the rates for both can vary depending on the type of loan, the lender you choose, and your qualifications as a borrower.

Fees

Fees also can affect the upfront and overall cost of both personal and business loans, so it’s a good idea to be clear on what you’re paying. Some of the more common fees for business loans and personal loans that you might see include origination, application, packaging, and underwriting fees, and late payment and prepayment penalties.

Some fees may be subtracted from the loan amount before the borrower receives the money. But fees also may be folded into a loan’s annual percentage rate (APR) instead, which can increase the monthly payment.

Down Payment

Business loans may be available for larger amounts than a personal loan. For a larger business loan — a substantial SBA loan or commercial real estate loan, for example — you could be required to come up with a down payment. This amount can add to your upfront cost. However, just as with a mortgage or car loan, a larger down payment can help you save money over the long term, because you’ll pay less in interest.

Whether you’ll need a down payment, and the amount required, may depend on your individual and business creditworthiness.

Different Uses for Business and Personal Loans

One of the biggest differences between business vs. personal loans is the way borrowers can use them.

•   A business loan can be used to finance direct business costs, such as paying for supplies, marketing, a new piece of equipment, business debt consolidation, or a business property. But it typically can’t be used for indirect business costs, which means a borrower can’t pay off personal debts with the money or buy personal property with it.

•   Some business loans have a very specific purpose, and the borrowed money must be used for that purpose. For example, if you get an equipment loan, you must buy equipment with it. Or, if you get a business car loan, you must buy a business car with the money.

•   Because you may be able to use the influx of cash for both business and personal expenses, the uses of a personal loan can be very flexible. But personal loans are typically smaller than business loans, and they generally come with a shorter repayment term. It can be helpful to have a clear intent for how the money will be spent and to keep separate records for business and personal expenses.

•   It’s also important to note that some lenders put restrictions on how personal loans can be used, so you should read the fine print before applying and share your plans with the lender if asked.

Differences When Applying for Business and Personal Loans

The criteria lenders look at can be very different when approving a small business loan vs. a personal loan. Here’s what you can expect during the application process.

Applying for a Personal Loan

When you apply for a personal loan, your personal creditworthiness usually plays a large role in the application and approval process.

•   Lenders typically will review a borrower’s credit scores, credit reports, and income when determining the interest rate, loan amount, and repayment term of a personal loan.

•   Generally, you can expect to be asked for a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and/or some other proof of identity.

•   You also may be asked for proof of your current address. And the lender will want to verify your income.

Applying for a Business Loan

When you apply for a business loan, your personal finances still will be a factor, though other aspects of your application will be reviewed carefully.

•   The loan underwriters also will evaluate your business’s cash flow, how long you’ve been in business, your profitability, the exact purpose of the loan, trends in your industry, your business credit score, and more.

•   The lender may ask for a current profit-and-loss statement, a cash-flow statement, recent bank statements and tax returns for the business, your business license and a business plan, and any other current loan documents or lease agreements you might have.

•   You also will have to provide information about your collateral if you are applying for a secured loan.

Recommended: Understanding Credit Score Ranges

Structural Differences in Business and Personal Loans

Knowing the differences in how personal loans vs. business loans are structured could help you decide which is right for you and your business. A few factors that might affect your choice include:

Loan Amount

A business loan may be more difficult to apply for and get than a personal loan, especially if your business is a startup or only a few years old. But if you can qualify, you may be able to borrow more money with a business loan. While personal loan amounts typically top out at $50,000 to $100,000, some SBA loans can go as high as $5.5 million.

Loan Length

You’ll likely find personal and business loans with both short and long repayment terms. But generally, personal loans have shorter terms (typically one to seven years), while some business loan repayment periods can be up to 25 years.

Tax Advantages

If you have a business loan, deducting the interest you pay on the loan may be possible when filing income taxes if you meet specific criteria.

With a personal loan, it might get a little more complicated. If you use the borrowed money only for business costs, you may be able to deduct the interest you paid. But if you use the loan for both business and personal expenses, you would only be able to deduct the percentage of the interest that was used for qualifying business costs.

And you should be prepared to itemize deductions, documenting exactly how you spent the money. Your financial advisor or tax preparer can help you determine what’s appropriate.

Support

Along with the traditional banking services you might expect to get with any type of loan, a business loan also may come with operational support and online tools that can be useful for owners and entrepreneurs.

Risk

When you’re deciding between a personal vs. business loan, it’s also a good idea to think about what could happen if, at some point, the loan can’t be repaid.

•   If your business has financial problems and you have a personal loan, you (and your cosigner, if you have one) could be held responsible for the debt. You could lose your collateral (if it’s a secured loan) or damage your personal credit.

•   If your business defaults and it’s a business loan, the impact to your personal credit would depend on how the loan is set up.

◦   If you’re listed as a sole proprietor or signed a personal guarantee, it’s possible you could be sued, your personal and/or business credit scores could take a hit, and your personal and business assets could be at risk.

◦   If your business is set up as a distinct legal entity, on the other hand, your personal credit score might not be affected — but your business credit score could suffer. And it could be more difficult for you to take out a business loan in the future.

Structural Differences in Business and Personal Loans
Business Loans Personal Loans
Loan Amount Typically come in larger amounts (up to $5 million) Generally are limited to smaller amounts (up to $100,000)
Loan Length Usually have longer repayment periods (up to 25 years) Generally have shorter terms (a few months to a few years)
Tax Advantages Interest paid on a business loan is often tax-deductible Interest paid on a personal loan used for business expenses may be tax-deductible
Support Lenders may offer operational support and online business tools to borrowers with business loans Lenders may offer more personal types of support to borrowers with personal loans
Risk Defaulting on a business loan could affect the borrower’s business credit score or business and personal credit scores (based on how the loan is structured) Defaulting on a personal loan could affect the borrower’s personal credit score

Pros and Cons of Business Loans

There are advantages and disadvantages to keep in mind when deciding whether to apply for a business loan vs. personal loan.

•   A business loan can be more difficult to get than a personal loan, especially if the business is new or still struggling to become profitable.

•   If you qualify for a business loan, you may be able to borrow a larger amount of money and get a longer repayment term.

•   A business loan also could make it easier to separate your business and personal finances.

•   There could be fewer personal consequences if the business defaults on the loan.

Pros of Business Loans

 Cons of Business Loans
Borrowers may qualify for larger amounts than personal loans offer Applying can require more time and effort
Longer loan terms available Qualifying can be difficult
Interest rates may be lower Collateral and/or a down payment may be required
Interest is usually tax deductible Loan must be used for business purposes only
Lenders may offer more business-oriented support New businesses may pay higher interest rates
Debt may be the responsibility of the business, not the individual (depending on loan structure) Responsibility for the debt could still land on individual borrowers

Recommended: Can You Refinance a Personal Loan?

Pros and Cons of Personal Loans

A personal loan vs. business loan can have advantages and disadvantages to consider if you are wondering if you can use one to fund a business.

•   Personal loans can offer borrowers more flexibility than business loans in terms of usage.

•   They’re generally easier to qualify for and may have lower interest rates.

•   One major hurdle may be tracking whether the funds were used for business or personal expenses, which can be crucial, especially for income taxes.

Pros of Personal Loans

 Cons of Personal Loans
Application process is usually quick and easy Lending limits may be lower than business loans
Qualifying can be less challenging than with a business loan because it’s based on personal creditworthiness Borrower doesn’t build business credit with on-time payments
Can use funds for both personal and business expenses (unless there are lender restrictions) Defaulting can affect personal credit score/finances
Most personal loans are unsecured Interest rates are generally higher than for a business loan
Interest may be tax deductible (when funds are used for business) Shorter loan terms than business loans typically offer



💡 Quick Tip: Swap high-interest debt for a lower-interest loan, and save money on your monthly payments. Find out why SoFi credit card consolidation loans are so popular.

Is a Business or Personal Loan Right for You?

Considering the differences between a personal loan and a business loan can help you decide which is right for your needs. You may want to do some online research, compare rates and terms, and/or ask a financial professional or business mentor for advice before moving forward with this important decision. Here are some things to think about as you look for a loan that’s a good fit for your personal and professional goals.

A business loan may make sense if:

•   You’re seeking a lower interest rate and/or repayment term.

•   You want to keep personal and business expenditures separate.

•   You’ve been successfully running your business for a while.

•   You need more money than you can get with a personal loan.

•   You hope to build your business credit.

•   You want to limit your liability.

A personal loan may make sense if:

•   Your goal is to grow your startup or new business and the loan allows this usage.

•   You plan to use the money for both business and personal expenses.

•   You can find a personal loan with a lower interest rate than a comparable business loan, and the lender approves the loan for business expenses.

•   You want to get the money as quickly as possible.

•   You are seeking a shorter repayment term.

•   You don’t want to secure the loan with collateral.

•   You feel confident about your personal ability to repay the loan.

Recommended: Can I Pay Off a Personal Loan Early?

The Takeaway

If you’re seeking funding to start or grow your business, you may have to decide between personal and business loans. Personal loans are typically easier to apply for and offer quicker access to funds, but often at a somewhat higher interest rate and shorter term vs. business loans. Also, business loans usually offer significantly higher loan amounts and the interest can be tax-deductible. It’s worthwhile to consider the tax and credit implications of each type of loan too, among other factors.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. Checking your rate takes just a minute.


SoFi’s Personal Loan was named NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Personal Loan overall.

FAQ

Are business loans more expensive than personal loans?

Business loans typically have lower interest rates than personal loans. Still, it’s probably worth comparing both types of loans and the rates lenders are willing to offer you and/or your business before making a final decision between the two.

Is it illegal to use personal loans for business?

Most (but not necessarily all) personal loans can be used for just about anything. Your lender may not even ask how you intend to spend the money. But it’s a good idea to check the lending agreement in case there are any restrictions. And if the lender wants to know the purpose of the loan, you should be honest about your intentions.

Are startup loans personal loans?

There are a few different options for funding a startup, including SBA loans, family loans, or crowdfunding platforms. But if you have good credit and are confident you can make the monthly payments, taking out a personal loan could be an effective strategy for funding a startup, if the loan permits that usage.

Photo credit: iStock/MicroStockHub

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

This article is not intended to be legal advice. Please consult an attorney for advice.

SOPL0124044

Read more

CATEGORIES

  • All
  • No categories
Close modal

See what SoFi can do for you and your finances.

Select a product below and get your rate in just minutes.

Student Loan
Refinancing

Personal
Loans

Online
Investments

Other

Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. To qualify, a borrower must be a U.S. citizen or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., and meet SoFi's underwriting requirements. Not all borrowers receive the lowest rate. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. If approved, your actual rate will be within the range of rates at the time of application and will depend on a variety of factors, including term of loan, evaluation of your creditworthiness, income, and other factors. If SoFi is unable to offer you a loan but matches you for a loan with a participating bank, then your rate may be outside the range of rates listed above. Rates and Terms are subject to change at any time without notice. SoFi Personal Loans can be used for any lawful personal, family, or household purposes and may not be used for post-secondary education expenses. Minimum loan amount is $5,000. The average of SoFi Personal Loans funded in 2023 was around $33K. Information current as of 2/26/24. SoFi Personal Loans originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). See SoFi.com/legal for state-specific license details. See SoFi.com/eligibility for details and state restrictions.

✝ To check the rates and terms you may qualify for, SoFi conducts a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. However, if you choose a product and continue your application, we will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull and may affect your credit.

©2024 Social Finance, LLC All rights reserved.
TLS 1.2 Encrypted
Equal Housing Lender