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About me

TIM BERRY

I’m an attorney who has been dealing with IRA and 401k issues since 1997. While I’m licensed as an attorney in Washington state, I work with clients all around the country by phone, fax, and email.

For projects, I typically bill by the project, not the hour. That means you don’t have to worry about any unexpected huge bill, you know exactly the amount when I start work. 

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Translating the complexities of prohibited transactions, unrelated business taxes, and self directed 401ks so you don't run afoul of the law.

I simplify complex tax laws so you don’t have to worry about love letters from the IRS. With years of experience focused on self-directed IRAs, 401(k) strategies, and advanced tax planning, I provide clear, practical guidance that helps you protect your assets and move forward with confidence.

I specialize in assisting clients with:

Helping Clients Navigate Complex Legal Matters

Prohibited Transaction Analysis

We review Self-Directed IRA and Self-Directed 401(k) activity to help ensure transactions are handled correctly and do not trigger costly prohibited transaction violations.

Rollover Error Resolution​

We correct rollover mistakes before they become serious issues. Custodians frequently report errors to the IRS don’t risk penalties or the loss of your retirement account.

Reporting Error Connection

Missing Form 5500-EZ filings or incorrect values on 1099s? We identify reporting issues and help resolve them properly so you can move forward with confidence.

Retirement Estate Planning Strategy

We structure estate plans for retirement accounts to help ensure your assets transfer according to your wishes, not default rules or unintended government outcomes.

FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions

Find clear answers to common questions about self-directed IRAs and 401(k)s, including rules, compliance, and investment options, explained simply to help you move forward with confidence.

My main focus is the various tax laws on retirement plans, in particular self directed IRAs and self directed 401ks, aka solo 401ks and owner only 401ks.  I’m constantly fixing costly mistakes made by custodians, financial planners, and CPAs who haven’t dealt with self directed IRAs and 401ks. 

A self-directed IRA or self directed 401k is a retirement plan that allows you to make all the investments allowed by law.  Most  IRAs and 401ks limit you to stocks and bonds.  With self directed plans the world is your oyster!

Yes — you can generally transfer or roll over IRA funds (other than inherited IRAs and Roth IRAs) into a self directed 401k in a tax free manner.  

Yes and no.  There are a ton of hidden land mines for self directed 401ks and self directed IRAs.  However if you just follow some simple rules. . . such as not having your plan engage in transactions with anyone related to you. . . then their operation can be relatively simple. 

I can review and analyze your planned transactions and offer legal insight to ensure your self-directed IRA investments comply with IRS regulations, reducing the risk of costly penalties.

What People Say

An Attorney Who Cares!!!

Tim has been extremely helpful to me over the last couple of years with my roth IRA issues. I was very nervous and scared about the predicament that I was in, but having him in my corner has helped me feel so much more confident and secure. I feel that I can trust him, and that I can rely on his expertise. I think he really cares and has a big heart, and is a great attorney. I highly recommend his council, and his experience to everyone. Thank you Tim for all your help! I really appreciate it!!

Anonymous

Tim really helped me out of a problem

So I received a 1099 that should have been issued to my LLC. This was going to be expensive if I couldn’t get it resolved. I talked to several people in the tax and financial fields and got numerous answers and suggestions none of which made much sense. Tim Berry called me back in few minutes told me just how to handle my problem. His willingness to give me a few minutes of his time and his knowledge got me through a stressful situation. Thanks again Tim

Jack

Purchasing Property With an IRA

My wife and I were referred to Timothy Berry regarding a piece of property we were thinking about purchasing with an IRA, He explained the different ways we could purchase the properties that would give us the best tax advantages. I found Timothy to very knowledgeable, and his information informative. Timothy did not charge us for this consultation which surprised me and he offered to help us in the future if needed. It was refreshing to speak to a lawyer with our best interest in mind. I would recommend Timothy to anyone who is in need of a lawyer in his field.

Charles

Expert Self Directed IRA’s

Tim helped me out with an error my tax accountant found while doing my 2018 taxes for my self directed IRA. I called Tim and explained the situation. He immediately gave me 3 different options of what I could do to resolve my issue for the 2018 tax year. He prioritized each of the 3 and explained the risks. He is a great resource and I’ll be utilizing his services again.

Anonymous

Very Effective!

Tim Berry is thorough, accessible and most importantly, EFFECTIVE. I mistakenly moved IRA money in a way that made it taxable instead of a roll-over and Tim was able to penetrate the bureaucratic wall at the IRS via a clear presentation of the facts and appropriate citations. The initial IRS ruling was reversed.
I highly recommend him!

Anonymous

Take the First Step Toward Smarter Retirement Investing

Schedule a consultation to see if a self-directed IRA or 401(k) strategy is right for you. Get clear legal guidance, answers to your questions, and a roadmap to structure compliant retirement investments with confidence.

Providing clear legal guidance and education on self-directed IRAs and 401(k)s to help you invest confidently and stay compliant.

Get In Touch

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