Everything You Need To Know About Self-Directed IRAs

Frequently asked questions.

Self-Directed IRA FAQs

Investors like self-directed IRAs because they come with a level of freedom no other IRA account type offers. A self-directed individual retirement account (SDIRA) gives investors like you the flexibility and choice of exactly how to invest your retirement dollars. You can expand and diversify your investment opportunities beyond the stock market into a variety of assets, like real estate or private equity.

By diversifying your investments, you increase the chance of protecting and enhancing your retirement. So let’s take a look at everything you need to know about self-directed IRAs.

SDIRA Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Benefits of a Self-Directed IRA?  

A self-directed IRA can be a great idea if you have expertise or knowledge about a certain asset or market. For example, if you're a real estate investor and already know the ins and outs of investing in real estate, then you'll probably benefit from the freedom to invest that SDIRAs provide. If you already hold an investment that's producing great returns outside of your IRA, why not invest in the same asset with your IRA? You have options.

How Does a Self-Directed IRA Work?  

An SDIRA works like any other IRA, except you have all control over the investments. Once your account has been established at IRAR and you have enough funds to make an investment, then you tell IRAR what to invest in. IRAR will make the purchase on behalf of your IRA, but you make the decisions on when and how. Once your asset starts producing income, that income goes into the IRA. Any expenses come out of the IRA. You are in total control over buying and selling within your IRA.

How Do I Start Investing with a Self-Directed IRA?  

To set up a self-directed IRA, you need to research custodians. Once you've found the right provider for you, you'll open an account with them. You'll need to complete their paperwork and provide some form of government-issued ID, like a driver's license or passport.

You will also need to complete a new account application and let us know how you will fund the account. If you have an existing IRA or old 401(k), you can move it to a company like IRAR. This is the best way to fund your account. If you've never set up an IRA, you can start saving now with regularly scheduled contributions. Fortunately, there is no limit to how much you can move from one retirement account to an SDIRA. 

Do I Qualify for a Self-Directed IRA? 

Almost anyone can establish a self-directed IRA. To establish an account, you need to complete an application and submit it with a government-issued identification, such as a driver’s license.

Is a Self-Directed IRA a Good Idea? 

A self-directed IRA can be a great idea if you have expertise or knowledge about a certain asset or market. For example, if you're a real estate investor and already know the ins and outs of investing in real estate, then you'll probably benefit from the freedom to invest that SDIRAs provide. If you already hold an investment that's producing great returns outside of your IRA, why not invest in the same asset with your IRA? You have options.

How Do I Set Up a Self-Directed IRA? 

To set up a self-directed IRA, you need to research custodians. Once you've found the right provider for you, you'll open an account with them. You'll need to complete their paperwork and provide some form of government-issued ID, like a driver's license or passport.

Can I Set Up a Self-Directed IRA Myself?  

Almost anyone can establish a self-directed IRA once they complete an application. However, in order to have a self-directed IRA, you need a custodian. The IRS states that your retirement account must have a third party oversee your IRA for protection and oversight. Custodians are regulated, audited, and held to specific guidelines. You can choose the custodian that best fits your investing needs and strategy. Download this template to compare.

What's a Self-Directed IRA Custodian? 

A self-directed IRA custodian is an entity or company that provides custody and administration of self-directed retirement plans. These companies are regulated by state and federal law and must comply with requirements set by the law. In order to become a custodian, the company must meet strict qualifications.

Note that the IRS-approved list contains only non-bank trustees and custodians approved directly by the IRS. It does not include those entities that qualify as banks under the Internal Revenue Code (IRC Title 26 Sec. 408).

How Do I Choose a Self-Directed IRA Custodian?  

Everyone has different requirements when choosing a self-directed IRA custodian. Here are some common things to look for when conducting due diligence:

  • Fees: Not all custodians charge the same. Read the fine print in fee disclosures to make sure you know what you're agreeing to pay for your IRA.
  • Industry knowledge: Not all custodians have knowledgeable teams. Make sure they are Certified IRA Services Professionals (CISPs).
  • Servicing times: You can miss out on a deal if your custodian has slow servicing times. Pay attention to their communication style when conducting due diligence.

Why Aren’t you or Other SDIRA Custodians Listed on the IRS Approved List? 

The IRS list contains only non-bank trustees and custodians approved directly by the IRS. It does not include those entities that qualify as banks under the Internal Revenue Code (IRC Title 26 Sec. 408).

IRAR Trust meets the Internal Revenue Code requirements under the laws of the State of South Dakota and holds a Charter and Certificate of Authority to operate as a public trust company. As a South Dakota Chartered Trust Company, IRAR Trust must comply with that state’s laws and regulations.

IRAR Trust Company Certificate of Authority

IRAR Trust Company Certificate of Good Standing