Book excerpt: The Self Directed IRA Handbook explains how investors can own alternative retirement plan assets in their IRAs. These assets typically include; real estate, private stock, IRA/LLCs, LP, LLC, private equity, hedge funds, private placement, crowdfunding, and precious metals. The Handbook clearly explains the prohibited transaction rules, investment structures, common self directed IRA investment assets, and SDIRA tax pitfalls (UBIT & UDFI tax). The Handbook goes beyond the basics of self directed IRAs and includes extensive FAQs after each chapter, and nearly 100 citations to cases, statutes, rulings, and opinions from the Courts, the IRS, and the DOL. Its author, Mat Sorensen, is an experienced attorney who has advised clients with IRAs at every major self directed IRA custodian, and who speaks frequently at industry associations and before professional groups on self directed IRA topics. Mat regularly advises clients on the prohibited transaction rules, on IRA/LLC structures, on real estate and private company investments, and on UBIT and UDFI taxes. Mat has also successfully represented self directed IRA owners before the IRS Appeals Office and the U.S. Tax Court. To view testimonials for the book, and for additional self directed IRA resources, please visit the author's site at www.sdirahandbook.com