{"ok":true,"canonical_url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/retirement-account-funds","api_url":"https://dealroom.so/api/public/glossary/retirement-account-funds","data_freshness":{"sba_records_through":"2026-05-31","fdic_records_through":"2026-03-31","dealroom_last_updated":"2026-06-15","timezone":"America/Chicago"},"source_summary":["Public SBA 7(a) loan records","FDIC institution data","DealRoom lender and franchise enrichment"],"term":{"slug":"retirement-account-funds","term":"Retirement account funds","group":"Your money in the deal","definition":"Money held in your 401(k), IRA, or other qualified retirement plans. These funds can sometimes be used as equity for your business purchase.","what_it_means":"You can use retirement account funds for your equity injection, either through a direct rollover to a Self-directed IRA or by utilizing a Rollovers for Business Start-ups (ROBS) plan. Each method has distinct tax implications and rules. Consult a financial advisor to understand the specific risks and benefits.","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/retirement-account-funds","official_sources":[],"related":[{"slug":"rollover","term":"Rollover","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/rollover"},{"slug":"self-directed-ira","term":"Self-directed IRA","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/self-directed-ira"},{"slug":"rollovers-for-business-start-ups-plan","term":"Rollovers for Business Start-ups plan","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/rollovers-for-business-start-ups-plan"},{"slug":"robs","term":"ROBS","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/robs"}],"related_questions":[{"question":"If I use retirement account funds for equity, what are the rules?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-7a/questions/if-i-use-retirement-account-funds-for-equity-what-are-the-rules"},{"question":"What documentation is required for equity injection funds originating from a retirement account rollover?","url":"https://dealroom.so/for-lenders/questions/what-documentation-is-required-for-equity-injection-funds-originating-from-a-retirement-ac"},{"question":"Can funds from a retirement account, like a 401k, be used for equity injection if properly withdrawn?","url":"https://dealroom.so/for-lenders/questions/can-funds-from-a-retirement-account-like-a-401k-be-used-for-equity-injection-if-properly-w"},{"question":"Can funds from a retirement account, like an IRA or 401k, be used for my equity injection?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-7a/questions/can-funds-from-a-retirement-account-like-an-ira-or-401k-be-used-for-my-equity-injection"},{"question":"Can I use funds from a retirement account, like an IRA or 401(k), for my equity injection?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/can-i-use-funds-from-a-retirement-account-like-an-ira-or-401-k-for-my-equity-injection"},{"question":"If I secure a loan against my 401k or retirement account, can those funds be used for equity?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-7a/questions/if-i-secure-a-loan-against-my-401k-or-retirement-account-can-those-funds-be-used-for-equit"}]},"caveats":["Definitions represent DealRoom's plain-English interpretation for buyers; verify regulatory terms against the official SBA and eCFR sources listed.","Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an SBA eligibility determination."],"citation":{"label":"DealRoom.so Glossary — Retirement account funds","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/retirement-account-funds","source_type":"DealRoom Data"}}