A self-directed IRA (SDIRA) is technically the same tax-advantaged account you may find at any brokerage firm, custodian, or bank.
The difference with a self-directed IRA is that it enables you to invest in a wide range of alternative assets, such as real estate, promissory notes, and private equity in addition to traditional investments, such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.
Investment possibilities include:
Why self-direct your account? Self-directed IRAs and other tax-advantaged accounts put you in control of your financial future. Create a customized portfolio with the freedom to invest in alternative and traditional assets, while potentially reducing or eliminating taxes on your investments.
Due to the unique nature of a self-directed IRA, you need a custodian that’s specially equipped to handle the accounts’ administrative requirements. Not all self-directed IRA custodians are equal: before entrusting your financial future to a firm, you should ensure you’re comfortable with their industry experience, knowledge, and customer service.
| Custodian Responsibilities | Account Holder Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Distribute funds to chosen investment | Find your own investment(s) |
| Custody assets | Perform due diligence |
| Process transactions | Direct the activities for your account |
| Maintain records | |
| IRS reporting |
IRS tax code defines retirement plans and The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) of 1974 outlines rules and tax implications of transactions within qualified plans. General rules to follow can be broken down into a few categories:
Here are the three steps to getting started with an Equity Trust self-directed IRA or other account:
One of our will walk you through the process, or you can do it online with myEQUITY.
You can fund your account via rollover, transfer, or out-of-pocket contribution.
myEQUITY investment wizards walk you through the investment process online at your convenience. We have liaisons ready to help if you need it.
Don’t entrust just any company with your financial future. Named Best Overall Self-Directed IRA Company from 2020-2023 by Investopedia, Equity Trust is your best choice:
Traditional financial institutions limit your IRA to traditional investments. With Equity Trust, you can truly diversify into a range of options including real estate, private entities, cryptocurrency, precious metals, and more, in addition to stocks, bonds, and mutual funds – all in one account.
Our size, expertise, and technology help us ensure that we’re there when you need us most. With over 400 associates focused on processing more than 1.2 million transactions each year, we work diligently to enhance your experience.
Our knowledgeable, client–focused associates are
here to provide dedicated, personalized service,
from opening your account to assisting you with
investment transactions. You can lean on our
more than 45 years of experience in the financial
services industry. Talk to a knowledgeable IRA Counselor
Don’t have an investment in mind? Most custodians establish your account and leave you on your own to figure it out. Our Investment District online marketplace enables you to find potential investment opportunities with the click of a button. Start your search
Equity Trust Client
Equity Trust has opened a whole new way of thinking and looking at investing. My current interest is in helping people find stable housing. By working with Equity Trust, I am able to assist individuals to better their lives. The tools and resources allow a person who is interested in investing in real estate or mutual funds or bitcoin or other investment areas to do so with little cost beyond their time. I recommend anyone interested in pursuing self-directed investments to contact Equity Trust.
Equity Trust Client
Equity Trust Company is just what I needed when I wanted to roll over my 401(k) after retirement. I opened a self-directed IRA with Equity and have been completely satisfied with them. I highly recommend them to anyone looking to open their own self-directed IRA. They have many options available to investors looking to have a hands on approach to their investments.
Equity Trust Client
If you are looking for an industry-leading custodian of tax-advantaged accounts, your search has ended. Equity Trust enables individual investors to diversify investment portfolios through alternative asset classes, including real estate, tax liens, private equity and precious metals, using a self-directed IRA and innovative technology. Their staff is very knowledgeable, professional and helpful. I have a self-directed IRA with Equity Trust Company since 2004 and I am a very happy investor.
Equity Trust Client
I’m so glad we moved our money to a self-directed IRA. We have more control over where and what our money is invested in.
Equity Trust Client
This is a great company if you have alternative/unusual investment types that other companies typically don’t handle, and you prefer to self-direct your investments.
Equity Trust Client
I finally opened my own self-directed IRA after years of waiting. Equity Trust has processed my transactions smoothly and efficiently. My account is doing what I wanted it to do for my retirement. I wish I had done this years sooner!
Read about investing rules including disqualified persons, indirect benefits, and more.
Browse the tax–advantaged, self-directed acounts and find one that matches your savings goals – from retirement to education to health care savings.
Learn what you need to know about self-directed IRA fees and access Equity Trust’s straightforward, all-inclusive fee schedule.
Schedule a one-on-one session with an expert alternative investment counselor. We’re here to answer any questions, help guide you through the process, and provide more detailed information and education specific to your journey.
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© 2023 Equity Trust®. All rights reserved.
Equity Trust Company is a directed custodian and does not provide tax, legal or investment advice. Any information communicated by Equity Trust Company is for educational purposes only, and should not be construed as tax, legal or investment advice. Whenever making an investment decision, please consult with your tax attorney or financial professional. Equity Institutional services institutional clients of Equity Trust Company. Brokerage Services Available Through ETC Brokerage Services, Member SIPC, and FINRA. *Founded in 1974 | Self-Directed IRA Custodian since 1983. The predecessor business to Equity Trust Company was established in 1974 and the IRS approved as a custodian in 1983. **Assets under custody as of 1/31/2023. 1ici.org, total assets in IRAs as of 12/2022
Terms of UsePrivacy PolicySite Map
© 2023 Equity Trust®. All rights reserved.
Equity Trust Company is a directed custodian and does not provide tax, legal or investment advice. Any information communicated by Equity Trust Company is for educational purposes only, and should not be construed as tax, legal or investment advice. Whenever making an investment decision, please consult with your tax attorney or financial professional. Equity Institutional services institutional clients of Equity Trust Company. Brokerage Services Available Through ETC Brokerage Services, Member SIPC, and FINRA. *Founded in 1974 | Self-Directed IRA Custodian since 1983. The predecessor business to Equity Trust Company was established in 1974 and the IRS approved as a custodian in 1983. **Assets under custody as of 1/31/2023. 1ici.org, total assets in IRAs as of 12/2022
You are leaving trustetc.com to enter the ETC Brokerage Services (Member FINRA/SIPC) website (etcbrokerage.com), the registered broker-dealer affiliate of Equity Trust Company. ETC Brokerage Services provides access to brokerage and investment products which ARE NOT FDIC insured. ETC Brokerage does not provide investment advice or recommendations as to any investment. All investments are selected and made solely by self-directed account owners.
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