You must be under 70½ years old to contribute to a Traditional Self-Directed IRA. There are no age restrictions for a Roth Self-Directed IRA.
You must have earned income (from a job, self-employment, etc.) to contribute to a Self-Directed IRA. This includes wages, salaries, tips, commissions, or net earnings from self-employment.
Opening a Self-Directed IRA is simple and gives you complete control over your retirement investments. Here’s how to get started:
Select a custodian that specializes in Self-Directed IRAs and decide whether you want a Traditional or Roth SDIRA. Let's Get Started
During the Application process we will create an LLC owned by your SDIRA.
Fund your Self-Directed IRA through contributions, rollovers, or transfers from other retirement accounts.
Once funded, choose your investments (real estate, precious metals, etc.) and ensure they comply with IRS regulations.
There are three main methods to fund your Self-Directed IRA:
Move funds or assets between IRAs of the same type. This is tax-free and penalty-free when executed properly.
Add new funds to your Self-Directed IRA, subject to annual IRS limits and rules based on your age and income.
Shift money from another retirement account—such as a 401(k), 403(b), or IRA—into your Self-Directed IRA.
Although the guidelines for self-directed IRAs are almost similar to those for other retirement accounts, it’s important to familiarize yourself with self-directed IRA rules and regulations.
The IRS defines specific individuals and entities as disqualified from transacting with your SDIRA, including:
While SDIRAs offer broad investment options, certain assets are prohibited, such as:
Yes, you can roll over funds from various retirement accounts into a Self-Directed IRA. The process depends on the type of account you're transferring from:
Can be directly transferred without triggering taxes
Eligible for full rollover into a Self-Directed IRA
Can be rolled over after two years of participation
Eligible for rollover if you’ve left your employer
Can be rolled over into a Self-Directed Roth IRA (consult a tax advisor for details)
Rolling funds into a Self-Directed IRA opens up more investment possibilities—letting you diversify into real estate, private equity, cryptocurrency, and more.
You can also roll over funds out of your Self-Directed IRA into another qualified retirement account. Here's how it works:
If you receive the funds personally, you must redeposit them into another IRA within 60 days to avoid taxes and penalties.
The safest and most tax-efficient method—your custodian transfers the funds directly to the new account.
Allows you to maintain control over alternative assets while switching custodians or account types.
Possible if your new employer’s plan accepts roll-ins, though not all do.
Done correctly, a rollover from a Self-Directed IRA can be a smart, tax-advantaged way to realign your retirement strategy or consolidate your accounts.
| Feature | Traditional Self-Directed IRA |
Roth Self-Directed IRA |
|---|---|---|
| Tax Treatment | Contributions are tax deductible (if eligible); taxes paid on withdrawals | Contributions are made with after-tax dollars; withdrawals are tax-free in retirement |
| Income Limits | No income limits to contribute | Income limits apply for eligibility to contribute |
| Withdrawals |
|
|
| Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) | RMDs required starting at age 73 | No RMDs during the account holder’s lifetime |
| Best For | Those who want tax savings now and expect lower taxes in retirement | Those who prefer to pay taxes now and expect higher taxes later |
Go beyond traditional investments like stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, and invest in real estate, private equity, cryptocurrency, and more.
Enjoy tax-deferred or tax-free growth, depending on whether you choose a Traditional or Roth IRA.
Add alternative assets to reduce market risk and create multiple income streams.
Alternative investments can offer higher returns than conventional markets.
You choose where your money goes—no limited fund menus or third-party restrictions.
Pass on physical assets and build long-term wealth for future generations.
Looking to hold rental properties, land, or commercial real estate inside a retirement account.
Interested in using retirement funds to invest in early-stage businesses or private placements.
Wanting tax-advantaged retirement savings with control over where funds are invested.
Doctors, lawyers, or consultants looking for greater control and diversification in their retirement strategy.
Earning 1099 income but not ready to open a Solo 401(k), and prefer simpler contribution requirements.
Rick knows his stuff when it comes to Self Directed IRAs and 401(k)s… He set one up for me and I am now earning a better than average return on my investment.
Rick is the one to go to when you need to look towards the future. Very adept in his field, he is willing to sit down with everyone and show them options to get where they want to go.
Rick has worked with over 50 of my clients and helped them become independent of their broker by investing in real estate, gold, loans. etc. He is very knowledgeable of the self directed retirement plan industry.
Well I’ve got all my 401K rolled over into my new Solo 401k. Now what 🙂 Just kidding. Thank you for making the process so simple…
Creating a self-directed 401K using your company is the best thing I could have done for my retirement. Instead of mutual funds achieving low single digit returns, I have enjoyed 2 and 3x returns on real estate investments. Thanks for the ongoing advice!
The solo 401K we set up four years ago is working great, advancing me toward retirement quicker than expected.As always, appreciate your prompt response to answering my questions and helping me to prepare for a better future.
In four years, I’ve been able to double my IRA value. I would not have gone down this path if I didn’t have the guidance of Rick.
