Limited Partnerships (LPs)

Gain direct access to income and expense flow by investing in limited partnerships (LPs). As an investor, you can maximize your interest in a business without having to take on the risks or taxes associated with the business.

  • Defer taxes

    Avoid business taxes through limited partnerships.

  • Limit risks

    Earn dividends without the business risk.

  • Asset protection

    Protect your assets with certain provisions.

What is an LP?

A business relationship with partners holding varying degrees of responsibility and liability.

General partners are the individuals who work on a day-to-day basis to manage the business and its operations.

Limited partners are individuals who invest in the business but do not handle any of the management responsibilities. These investors are only liable to the extent of the money they have invested.

When a business opens itself up for limited partnerships, individuals have the option to use their self-directed IRA funds to invest in the business. When you invest in a limited partnership, you are purchasing limited partnership units (LP units). Tax rules and characteristics of LP units differ from stocks.

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Types of Limited Partnerships

 

Master Limited Partnerships (MLP) are the partnership units that are available for public trade and are usually listed as stock. These partnerships require a contract, called the limited partnership agreement, between limited and general partners that specify the timeline for quarterly required distributions (QRD). These are similar to dividends but are mandatory. A missed QRD constitutes an event of default. MLPs have very unique taxation situations.


Family limited partnerships are also a way for families to pool their money for investing. This may provide tax advantages and other benefits, but each family should carefully consider the disadvantages this investment vehicle may offer as well. This is a popular option when it comes to investing in real estate.

Navigation Tip:

If a business goes bankrupt or is sued, a limited partner is only responsible for their own investment and nothing else.

Limited Partnership Advantages

When an IRA invests in a partnership and becomes a limited partner, the partnership pays dividends directly into your IRA account. These dividend distributions are required on a regular basis for business tax purposes.

The IRA can be used to buy and sell stock directly from and to the partnership itself. In certain situations, you may be eligible for unique tax advantages within this partnership, like business tax deductions for investment expenses for example.

 

How To Invest With LPs

We encourage our investors to do adequate research or contact a broker/financial advisor, attorney or CPA, to determine if an LP is an appropriate investment.

Once you have determined that a limited partnership is suitable for you, it can be purchased with your Self-Directed IRA or another retirement account at Mainstar Trust. Click below to find out how to use a Mainstar Trust account to invest in a Limited Partnership product.

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