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Acquisition Credit

ROBS (Rollover as Business Startup)

Fund a C-corp acquisition with 401(k)/IRA rollover — no tax, no penalty.

Overview

Rollover as Business Startup (ROBS) sets up a new C-corp with a 401(k) plan, rolls existing retirement funds into the plan, and the plan buys stock in the C-corp — funding equity for a business acquisition. No early-withdrawal penalty, no income tax event. Requires strict compliance (plan admin, prohibited transactions, ongoing 5500 filings). Best paired with SBA 7(a) as the equity injection source.

Best fit
Buyers with $50K–$500K in 401(k)/IRAFirst-time acquirersSBA-injection-constrained borrowers
Estimated impact
Deploy $50K–$500K retirement capital penalty-free

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