Getting Started with a Self Directed IRA
What is a Self Directed IRA (SDIRA)?
A self directed IRA (Individual Retirement Account) is defined by the type of investments owned within the plan. It is not a special retirement account. Any IRA can self-direct for greater diversification and control in an investment portfolio.
With a self directed investing account, you choose the investments. If you think outside the box, a self directed IRA is your ideal plan to control your retirement.
Unlike conventional institutions, SDIRA custodians or trust companies do not limit investment decisions. Custodians allow investments in alternative assets such as real estate and private placements.
With self-direction, the account owner directs all investments and does all due diligence. As a self directed IRA custodian, Midland does not sell products nor offer financial advice. Our goal is to inspire investors to understand their investment choices. We want investors to take control of their retirement accounts.
When you self-direct, all income and gains in an IRA are tax-deferred until you take a distribution. With a Roth IRA, all income and gains to the account are tax-free.
Which IRA Accounts Qualify for Self Direction?
Self-directed accounts can include Traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, SEP, and SIMPLE IRAs. Educational plans (ESAs), health savings plans (HSAs), and 401(k)s can also be self-directed.
Alternate Source of Funding
You may not realize that IRA funds can invest in alternative assets. These investments include real estate, private loans, private companies, and more.
Invest in Assets That Have Opportunity for Higher Returns
Using a self directed retirement account allows investors to choose assets that may lead to higher returns than traditional investment options.
True Diversification
Brokerage account firms and banks offer limited investment choices. Those looking to diversify their investment portfolios use alternative assets within a self directed IRA. SDIRAs allow investors to hedge against market inflation with more stable, long-term investments like real estate.
Tax-Free or Tax-Deferred Growth (Time Value of Money)
When you invest using an SDIRA, you defer capital gains taxes when you sell the asset. Reinvest these tax savings in investments that produce higher returns. Create higher account values in shorter time frames. Create more wealth in your retirement account; self direct your IRA today.
What Assets Can I Invest in With a Self-Directed IRA?
Alternative Investment Options Include:
Real Estate
Investors can buy or sell vacant land, residential, and commercial properties with an IRA. Rehab properties and foreclosure properties can be held in an IRA as well.
Secured Notes and Mortgages
Both secured and unsecured notes are allowed in an IRA.
Single-Member LLC (Checkbook IRA)
A Single-Member LLC is a popular strategy with real estate investors who need checkbook control of their IRA funds. With this structure, the IRA owns the LLC and the account holder acts as the manager.
Partnership/Closely-Held LLC
This structure allows investors to easily pool investment funds with others.
Private Placement/Private Equity
Private equity can invest in a wide array of options. It is essential to discuss the pros and cons with your financial advisor or tax advisor.
Private Stock
The primary benefit of buying private stock in an SDIRA is that the dividends are tax-free. And, when you sell stocks, gains are tax-free.
Hedge Funds
Self directed IRA investors can use account cash to purchase shares. Investing can provide the account holder with a tax-sheltered retirement income and returns.
Cryptocurrency
Investors can trade multiple cryptocurrency types in their IRA through our exchange partners, or through a hedge fund.
Futures & Forex
Futures trading can be used for hedging against the market or industry. You can trade futures on stock exchanges by buying contracts in the S&P 500, DOW Jones, and Bitcoin. With forex, currencies trade against each other as exchange rate “pairs.” Many currency pairs are available.
Equities – Stocks, Bonds, & Mutual Funds
We understand that true diversification in an investment portfolio can include a mix of self-directed assets and publicly traded securities. Midland has established a relationship with several brokerage firms to make these investments easy in your IRA.
Gold & Silver
A self directed IRA can buy gold, silver, palladium, and platinum as long as the purchased assets meet the IRS’ requirements for custodianship.
Download our IRA Case Studies
Our investors at Midland have found creative ways to invest using their IRA accounts. Take a look at some of their stories and achievements with alternative investments.
What Are the Self Directed IRA Rules When Investing in Alternatives With My IRA?
Self Directed IRA Prohibited Investments
The IRS does not state which assets you can buy in an IRA. The IRS does identify assets that cannot be bought in an IRA. The only two assets that cannot be purchased in a self directed IRA are life insurance and collectibles.
Examples of collectibles include art, rugs, antiques, gems, stamps, coins, alcoholic beverages, and viaticals.
Self Directed IRA Prohibited Transactions
There are certain IRA transactions that can disqualify your plan. These prohibited transactions can defeat the tax benefits your IRA offers and subject the IRA to fines and penalties.
Your retirement account should benefit you when you retire and not before. Therefore, transactions understood to provide immediate financial gain to account holders are not allowed. Section 4975 of the IRS code details many of these.
IRA holders may not:
- Borrow money from their IRA.
- Sell, exchange, or lease a property to their IRA.
- Receive payment for managing property in their IRA.
- Use their IRA as security for a loan.
- Transfer plan income or assets to disqualified persons.
- Lend money to disqualified persons.
- Extend credit on their IRA to disqualified persons.
- Furnish goods, services, or facilities to disqualified persons.
- Allow fiduciaries to use the plan’s income or assets for their own interest.
Self Directed IRA Disqualified Persons
For the most part, prohibited deals involve the IRA and a disqualified person. So, it is vital to know who disqualified persons are.
Prohibited parties include:
- IRA holder.
- The IRA holder’s spouse.
- The IRA holder’s lineal ascendants, lineal descendants, and spouses of lineal descendants.
- Investment advisors and managers.
- Any entity in which a disqualified person has 50% or greater interest. These entities can include corporations, partnerships, trusts, or estates.
- Any entity in which the disqualified person maintains control. These entities can include corporations, partnerships, trusts, or estates. Control can be in the form of presidency or management.
- Anyone servicing the IRA such as the trustee or self directed IRA company.
