Completing W-9 for Tax Lien Sales with a SDIRA

[Shango Collier]

Hi everyone,

I'm reaching out to other investors here who are using a Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA) and have participated in tax lien sales, especially those who have actually bid on properties or successfully completed a W-9 form in this context.

I’m in a situation where I’ve been given conflicting instructions by different representatives at my SDIRA custodian regarding how to properly fill out the W-9 form when registering to bid. Some have said to use the custodian's name and EIN, while others have suggested listing the SDIRA account name (e.g., "XYZ Trust Company FBO John Doe IRA") and using a different TIN.

This inconsistency is concerning, and before I proceed further, I want to make sure I’m handling it correctly and in full compliance, especially given the tax implications.

If you've:

• Participated in tax lien or tax deed auctions through your SDIRA

• Completed the W-9 form with advice from a qualified attorney

• Or simply have direct experience navigating this process

I’d greatly appreciate your input. How did you complete the W-9? What name and TIN did you use? Did you receive any legal guidance?

Not looking for general speculation—just hoping to hear from those who’ve been through it personally, ideally with legal backing.

Thanks in advance for any help or insights!

[Chris Seveney]

Quote from @Shango Collier:

Hi everyone,

I'm reaching out to other investors here who are using a Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA) and have participated in tax lien sales, especially those who have actually bid on properties or successfully completed a W-9 form in this context.

I’m in a situation where I’ve been given conflicting instructions by different representatives at my SDIRA custodian regarding how to properly fill out the W-9 form when registering to bid. Some have said to use the custodian's name and EIN, while others have suggested listing the SDIRA account name (e.g., "XYZ Trust Company FBO John Doe IRA") and using a different TIN.

This inconsistency is concerning, and before I proceed further, I want to make sure I’m handling it correctly and in full compliance, especially given the tax implications.

If you've:

• Participated in tax lien or tax deed auctions through your SDIRA

• Completed the W-9 form with advice from a qualified attorney

• Or simply have direct experience navigating this process

I’d greatly appreciate your input. How did you complete the W-9? What name and TIN did you use? Did you receive any legal guidance?

Not looking for general speculation—just hoping to hear from those who’ve been through it personally, ideally with legal backing.

Thanks in advance for any help or insights!

 We have invested with a SDIRA and have had to complete W9 as well as we run a fund and have to get them from investors. Here is the example we followed which is we used the custodian name and ein:

Completing IRS Form W-9 for a Self-Directed IRA or Solo 401(k) - IRA Financial