Retire on Your Terms: Explore Self-Directed IRAs
A self-directed IRA (“SDIRA”) is a retirement account that lets you invest in assets beyond stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, including alternative assets such as real estate, precious metals, private placements, promissory notes, and LLCs. The same tax advantages of a Traditional or Roth IRA apply; the difference is the breadth of what you can hold and the control you have over each investment decision.
Feeling trapped by limited investment options in your current retirement plan?
Worried about market volatility affecting your nest egg? You’re not alone. Many investors struggle with:
- Restricted investment choices
- Lack of control over their retirement funds
- Uncertainty about future financial security
- Missed opportunities in alternative investments
IRAxp offers the solution: Self-Directed IRAs
Take charge of your retirement with a self-directed IRA from IRAxp. Our plans empower you to:
- Invest in a wide range of assets, including real estate and precious metals
- Leverage your expertise in specific markets or industries
- Potentially achieve higher returns through alternative investments
- Maintain tax advantages while diversifying your portfolio
IRAxp offers the solution: Self-Directed IRAs
Take charge of your retirement with a self-directed IRA from IRAxp. Our plans empower you to:
Invest in a wide range of assets, including real estate and precious metals
Leverage your expertise in specific markets or industries
Potentially achieve higher returns through alternative investments
Maintain tax advantages while diversifying your portfolio
Our mission is to demystify self-directed IRAs and empower investors to take control of their financial future. — Dan A. IRAxp
Testimonials
“IRAxp opened my eyes to investment opportunities I never knew existed. My self-directed IRA has outperformed my traditional investments by a mile!” – Sarah T., Real Estate Investor
“The team at IRAxp made transitioning to a self-directed IRA incredibly smooth. I now have a diversified portfolio that includes my passion for precious metals.” – Michael R., Retired Teacher
“Thanks to IRAxp, I’ve been able to invest in local businesses through my IRA. It’s rewarding to see my retirement funds support my community while growing steadily.” – Lisa M., Small Business Owner
FAQ's
What is a self-directed IRA?
In addition to traditional stocks and bonds, a self-directed IRA is an IRS-approved retirement account that allows the account owner to invest in alternative assets such as real estate, precious metals, private companies, notes, and more! It carries the same contribution limits and tax treatment as a conventional Traditional or Roth IRA, but the investment menu is dramatically broader.
How does a self-directed IRA work?
You open the SDIRA with a specialized custodian like IRA Express, fund it through contributions, rollovers, or transfers, then direct the custodian to make investments on the IRA’s behalf. The custodian holds title, processes paperwork, and reports to the IRS. You make the investment decisions; the custodian handles the administration.
What can you invest in with a self-directed IRA?
| Allowable SDIRA investments include rental real estate, commercial property, raw land, tax liens, secured and unsecured promissory notes, private LLCs and partnerships, private company stock, precious metals bullion, and crypto (through approved platforms). Prohibited assets are limited to life insurance, S-corp stock, and collectibles such as art, antiques, and most non-bullion coins. |
How much money do you need to open a self-directed IRA?
IRA Express has no minimum balance to open an SDIRA. Most investors start by rolling over an existing 401(k) or IRA, which has no annual cap. New annual contributions for 2026 are limited to $7,000 (or $8,000 if you’re 50 or older). You can begin investing as soon as the account is funded.
Does a self-directed IRA need a custodian?
Yes. The IRS requires every IRA to be held by an approved custodian or trustee — you cannot self-custody IRA assets. The custodian holds title, processes investment instructions, files required reports, and ensures the IRA remains compliant with IRS rules. IRA Express specializes specifically in self-directed accounts and the unique paperwork they require.
Self-directed IRA vs. Traditional IRA: what’s the difference?
| Both are retirement arrangements governed by the same IRS code. The difference is who sources the investment. A Traditional IRA at a financial institution typically limits you to bank certificates of deposit and publicly traded securities provided by the institution. A self-directed Individual Retirement Arrangement account at a specialized administrator like IRA Express opens the door to real estate, private placements, precious metals, and other alternative assets, emphasizing the SELF (you!) in self-direction. |
What are the benefits and risks of a self-directed IRA?
Benefits include portfolio diversification beyond Wall Street, the ability to invest in assets you understand personally, and the same tax-deferred (Traditional) or tax-free (Roth) growth. Risks include illiquidity, valuation complexity, the burden of due diligence sitting with the investor, and severe penalties if a prohibited transaction occurs. Education before action is essential.
What types of investments can I make with a self-directed IRA?
Self-directed IRAs allow for a wide range of investments, including real estate, precious metals, private company stock, cryptocurrencies, and more. You’re not limited to just stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.
Are there any restrictions or prohibited transactions with self-directed IRAs?
Yes. You can’t use your IRA to benefit yourself or disqualified persons (like close family members) before retirement. Prohibited transactions include self-dealing, such as buying property for personal use or lending money to yourself from the IRA.
Can I rollover my existing 401(k) or IRA into a self-directed IRA?
Yes, in most cases you can rollover funds from a traditional IRA or an old employer’s 401(k) into a self-directed IRA. The process is similar to any other IRA rollover and can typically be done without tax penalties.
What are the tax implications of a self-directed IRA?
Tax implications depend on whether you choose a Traditional or Roth self-directed IRA. Traditional IRAs offer tax-deferred growth, with taxes paid upon withdrawal. Roth IRAs are funded with after-tax dollars but offer tax-free growth and withdrawals in retirement.
How to Open a Self-Directed IRA in 5 Steps
Step 1 — Choose a self-directed IRA custodian. Not every IRA custodian holds alternative assets. IRA Express has administered self-directed accounts since 2003 and specializes in real estate, private placements, precious metals, and notes. Verify the custodian is an IRS-approved non-bank trustee before opening an account.
Step 2 — Open and fund the account. Complete an application online or by phone. Fund the SDIRA via a direct transfer from another IRA, a 60-day rollover from a 401(k), or a new annual contribution. There is no IRS limit on transferred or rolled-over amounts.
Step 3 — Decide what to buy. Review investment options — real estate, precious metals, private placements, notes, LLCs — against your time horizon, risk tolerance, and personal expertise. The strongest SDIRA outcomes come from investing in asset classes you already understand.
Step 4 — Submit a Direction of Investment. When you’re ready to invest, complete a Direction of Investment form telling IRA Express how to deploy the funds. The custodian then signs and funds the investment on behalf of the IRA.
Step 5 — Manage the asset inside the IRA. All income returns to the IRA tax-deferred (or tax-free in a Roth). All expenses are paid from the IRA. Avoid any personal use or benefit from the asset, as that’s a prohibited transaction and can disqualify the entire account.
That’s It!