Category Self Directed IRAs (SDIRA)

TL;DR Yes, you can roll over a 403b to a self-directed IRA without taxes or penalties, as long as you use a direct rollover. The process takes 7 to 21 business days. You choose a specialized SDIRA custodian, open the…

TL;DR IRAs are not all created equal when it comes to investment flexibility. Standard brokerage IRAs (Fidelity, Schwab, Vanguard) are excellent for stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds, but they cap your universe there. Self-Directed IRAs open the full menu: real…

TL;DR Most self-directed IRAs have almost no annual tax filing obligations. Your custodian handles Form 5498 and Form 1099-R automatically. Things get complicated when your IRA uses a non-recourse loan on property, holds a multi-member LLC interest, owns a share…

TL;DR A self-directed IRA can invest in a private business, but four hard limits govern how: the 50% ownership rule under IRC §4975, UBIT on active business income, the S-corporation shareholder prohibition, and the no-compensation rule that bars you from…

TL;DR A self-directed IRA LLC with checkbook control is a structure where your IRA owns a limited liability company and you manage that LLC’s bank account directly. No custodian approval needed for each transaction. You write checks or send wires…

TL;DR Your SDIRA can lend money to family members, but the IRS keeps a very specific list of relatives who are off-limits. Spouses, parents, children, grandchildren, and their spouses are all ‘disqualified persons’ under IRC Section 4975. Lending to any…

TL;DR If you’re self-employed with no full-time W-2 employees, the SD 401k wins for precious metals, full stop. You can contribute up to $70,000 in 2025, borrow up to $50,000 tax-free, and avoid UBIT on leveraged positions entirely. An SDIRA…

TL;DR Yes, you can hold both physical gold and cryptocurrency in a self-directed IRA (SDIRA). The IRS authorizes both asset classes — gold under IRC §408(m)(3) and crypto as “property” under IRS Notice 2014-21. The critical challenge is custodian selection:…

TL;DR Most self-directed IRAs do not need their own EIN. The custodian’s EIN covers routine IRA activity.Four specific situations require your SDIRA to get its own EIN: forming a checkbook IRA LLC, investing in a partnership, triggering UBIT that requires…

Understanding Self-Directed IRA Retirement Accounts Self-directed IRA retirement accounts represent a versatile and powerful tool for those looking to take control of their financial future. Unlike traditional retirement accounts, which often limit investments to stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, self-directed…