Advisor Fees
Hi,
I’m aware of the issues related to combining investment advisory fees for pre-tax, after-tax, 401k, and Roth accounts. For the typical case, this is solved by just billing them separately on a ad valorem model. We charged a flat fee to our clients to provide advise on all accounts, not a percentage based fee. Would it be reasonable to pro-rate the accounts in some fashion and bill a pre-tax IRA some portion of the total amount? For example, if there was $100k in a pre-tax IRA and $100k in an after-tax account, would it be reasonable to bill the pre-tax IRA 50% of the fee, even though the fee is not based on level of assets?
Thanks!
Permalink Submitted by Alan - IRA critic on Wed, 2024-12-18 16:17
Yes, that would be reasonable.
Permalink Submitted by Barry Dreayer on Fri, 2024-12-20 14:09
With regard to after-tax accounts, if it is a Roth (IRA or 401(k)), I recommend to all advisors to NOT withdraw the fees from that Roth account. Instead have the fees paid outside of the account. You don’t want to use Roth funds that generate “precious” nontaxable income for life, when it is not necessary. Take the fees from one of their taxable accounts or have them write you a check. You will put yourself above other advisors who let the convenient “withdraw from the Roth account to pay fees” happen. What a great “elevator pitch” for prospects and potential referring CPAs on how you are different. Good luck.