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- How Accuplan Helps You Put Your Plan into Action →
- Most Common Alternative Assets →
- Opening Your Own Self-Directed IRA Account →
- What Accuplan Customers Are Saying →
- What Is a Self-Directed IRA? →
- Self-Directed IRA FAQs →
How Accuplan Helps You Put Your Plan into Action
At Accuplan, we help you put your plan for investing into action.
Investing Your Way → Decades of Leadership → Continuing Education → Intuitive Dashboard →
Investing Your Way
Accuplan offers a genuinely self-directed IRA that allows for the complete customization of a retirement portfolio. On top of our SDIRA services, we also house HSAs, Employee Wellness Programs, LLC creation, 401K and business accounts, and everything required to operate a retirement account successfully.
Most Common Alternative Assets
There is a wide range of alternative assets that can be held in a self-directed IRA, including:
Real Estate
This is one of the most popular alternative assets for self-directed IRAs. You can use your IRA funds to purchase rental properties, vacation homes and other real estate investments.
Private Equity
Private equity investments, such as venture capital and angel investing, can also be held in a self-directed IRA.
Precious Metals
Self-directed IRAs can invest in precious metals, such as gold and silver, either in physical form or through exchange-traded funds.
Cryptocurrencies
Some self-directed IRA custodians allow for investment in cryptocurrencies.
Private Debt
Self-directed IRAs can invest in private debt opportunities, such as promissory notes and private loans.
Private Placements
Private placements, which are securities offerings that are not publicly traded, can also be held in a self-directed IRA.
Managing Over $1.5B in Assets. 10K+ Active Accounts.
Opening Your Own Self-Directed IRA Account
We have made our application process simple for client convenience. Specifically, all that’s required to get started is the account holder’s personal information and funding information from an established IRA or a brand-new retirement savings account.
Complete the Application
Personal information you will need:
- Social Security Number
- Date of birth
- Contact information: phone number, email address
- Mailing address
- Image of your valid photo ID
Fund Your Account
To fund your account, options are:
- Direct contributions, for 2026 the annual contribution limit is $7,500.
- Rollover an established IRA, 401K, or another type of tax-qualified account
- Transferring funds or assets from one provider to another within the same retirement account type
Start Investing
Investing has never been easier:
To invest your IRA funds, you will fill out a direction of investment(DOI) form, found on your account dashboard. From there you can easily self-direct your tax-advantaged funds.
What Accuplan Customers Are Saying
“Ben Barker is the most helpful person. He has saved me on several occasions. He probably saved me from paying over $50,000 in personal income taxes. I have been Ben’s customer for almost four years, and every time I call him or need advice, he has been there. Ben also personally set up my self-directed IRA LLC so I can manage my real estate holdings. Ben is an incredible and knowledgeable resource at Accuplan. Thanks again, Ben. I could not have done this without you. “
-Captain Chris Liu, San Francisco, CA
Open a Self-Directed IRA With Accuplan
As a self-directed IRA custodian, Accuplan allows investors to invest in a wide range of assets beyond traditional stocks and bonds. Some of the reasons why someone might choose to open a self-directed IRA with us at Accuplan include more investment options, greater control, flexibility, tax advantages, expertise and support. Open a self-directed IRA with us at Accuplan today.
What Is a Self-Directed IRA?
A self-directed IRA is an individual retirement account that, unlike traditional options, empowers the account holder to steer their retirement funds into alternative assets, thereby expanding investment portfolio options beyond standard choices.
On the other hand, standard IRAs held at brokerage firms or banks limit available assets to more conventional categories, such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.
Additionally, an Accuplan self-directed IRA account is an alternative asset IRA that has the power to invest in a wide range of available assets, unlike those standard investment accounts. Popular options include rental properties, loans and cryptocurrency.
Self-Directed IRA FAQs
Below are some of the frequently asked questions we receive regarding self-directed IRAs.
What Fees Does Accuplan Charge?
We have a flat, non-percentage-based fee structure, so no matter how much your account grows, an annual fee will remain a flat $349.95.
What Are the Contribution Limits?
The contribution limits for a self-directed IRA are the same as traditional and Roth IRAs. Currently, the maximum contribution limit is $7,500, with an additional catch-up contribution of $1,100 for individuals who are 50 years old or older.
Contribution limits may be subject to income limitations and eligibility requirements. For example, if you have a traditional IRA and participate in a workplace retirement plan, such as a 401(k), your ability to deduct contributions to your traditional IRA may be reduced or eliminated depending on your income level.
It’s always a good idea to consult with a financial advisor to ensure that you are following the contribution limits and guidelines for your specific situation.
What Kind of Reporting Should I Expect?
An IRA custodian is required to file Form 5498 both to the client and to the IRS. Distributions made throughout the year would require the custodian to report Form 1099 to the client and the IRS.
Typically no reporting is needed from the client as long as no distributions have been made and the client is not required to take distributions due to age. If the client has distribution requirements, has an IRA LLC, or has received debt financing inside the IRA, they may be required to report filings to the IRS.
We recommend that all investors consult with a CPA or accountant for all filing requirements to ensure they comply. Accuplan does not provide any tax or legal advice, and we do not file anything to the IRS except the 5498 and 1099.
How Do I Set Up a Self-Directed Account?
We simplified our application process for self-directed IRA setup, so it only takes you minutes to get started. Follow these three easy steps to open a self-directed IRA account:
- Fill out the application.
- Fund your account.
- Direct your funds.
What is UBIT or UBTI or UDFI?
Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT) refers to the taxes that the IRS can charge based on a tax-exempt asset. Unrelated Business Taxable Income (UBTI) is the type of income that is taxable. And Unrelated Debt-Financed Income (UDFI) is used on assets that generate income that’s debt-financed like real estate.
What Should I Look for in a Custodian?
Look for an account custodian that is reliable, affordable and experienced in the industry. Accuplan Benefits Services has been an industry leader for decades. Invaluable experience and expertise come standard. Our fees are among the lowest around. We offer a flat, non-percentage-based fee schedule, so your fees never grow, but your IRA funds will.
Being able to rely on Accuplan as your administrator is imperative to your success. Our team is dedicated to serving you, answering questions, keeping your account IRS-compliant and assisting in any way that we can.
What Are the Benefits of a Self-Directed IRA?
Some key self-directed IRA benefits include tax-deferred or tax-free profits, investment diversity allowing for a range of asset investments, and the potential to build wealth for future beneficiaries.
Can You Invest in Real Estate?
Yes. Accuplan’s clients have complete access to invest in all types of real estate, like rental homes, commercial real estate and raw land. The investment options are limitless so long as you are following the IRS guidelines.
Can I Invest in My Own Business With an SDIRA?
Your IRA cannot invest in your own business or a related party’s business because of the disqualified persons rule. We do, however, offer the My Employee Stock Ownership Plan (MYSOP) that would allow this as long as specific guidelines are met through setting up a C Corp and a 401(k).
Can I Move My 401(k) Into a Self-Directed IRA?
Yes, you can move your 401(k) into a self-directed IRA, and our rollover process is easy.