Your Center to Learn Everything about Self-Directed IRAs
Everything you need to understand how Self-Directed Individual Retirement Accounts (SDIRAs) work, what you can invest in, and whether one belongs in your retirement plan. No jargon. Just straight answers.
What Can You Actually Invest in With a Self-Directed IRA?
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Start Learning About SDIRA’s With Our Most-Read Content
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Same IRS Limits. Far More to Invest In
Traditional IRA
Roth IRA
Self-Directed Traditional IRA
Self-Directed Roth IRA
Age <50
$7,500/year
Age <50
$7,500/year
Age <50
$7,500/year
Age <50
$7,500/year
Age 50+
$8,600/year ($1,100 catch-up contribution)
Age 50+
$8,600/year ($1,100 catch-up contribution)
Age 50+
$8,600/year ($1,100 catch-up contribution)
Age 50+
$8,600/year ($1,100 catch-up contribution)
Contribution Eligibility
Always allowed regardless of how much you earn from working
Contribution Eligibility
Your contribution limit may be reduced depending on certain factors.
Contribution Eligibility
Always allowed regardless of how much you earn from working.
Contribution Eligibility
Your contribution limit may be reduced depending on certain factors.
Tax Deduction
You may be eligible to deduct all or part of your contributions depending on certain factors
Tax Deduction
Must be made with post-tax dollars.
Tax Deduction
You may be eligible to deduct all or part of your contributions depending on certain factors.
Tax Deduction
Must be made with post-tax dollars.
Investment Options
Typically just Stocks, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Bonds, CDs and Money Markets
Investment Options
Typically just Stocks, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Bonds, CDs and Money Markets
Investment Options
Stocks, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Bonds, CDs, Money Markets, Cryptocurrency, Precious Metals, Private Equity, Private Lending, Tax Liens, Deeds, Options Trading, and more.
Investment Options
Stocks, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Bonds, CDs, Money Markets, Cryptocurrency, Precious Metals, Private Equity, Private Lending, Tax Liens, Deeds, Options Trading, and more.
Frequently Asked Self-Directed IRA Questions
Is a self-directed IRA the same as a regular IRA?
The tax structure is identical, the difference is what you can invest in. SDIRAs allow a much broader range of assets than standard brokerage IRAs, but require a specialized custodian.
Do I need a financial advisor to open a SDIRA?
No, but many investors choose to work with one. Especially if they’re investing in less familiar asset classes like real estate or crypto. Our guides are designed to help you ask the right questions regardless of who you work with.
What are prohibited transactions?
The IRS restricts certain transactions to prevent self-dealing. For example, you can’t use your SDIRA real estate investment as a personal residence. You also can’t lend SDIRA funds to certain family members. Violating these rules can disqualify your entire account and trigger taxes and penalties.
Can I convert my existing IRA to a self-directed IRA?
In most cases, yes. A direct rollover or transfer from a traditional IRA, Roth IRA, or 401(k) can fund an SDIRA without triggering taxes or penalties. Rules vary by account type.
Are SDIRAs only for experienced investors?
No, SDIRAs can be used by any type of investor. They do generally require more due diligence than a standard brokerage account, and are maximized when you know about the asset class you’re investing in. A member of our team can help with the account setup.
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