Self-Directed Retirement

Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA) Services

Take control of your future. Invest in what you actually believe in.

The basics

What is a self-directed IRA?

An Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is a special bucket the IRS lets you save and invest in for retirement. The advantage is tax. In a regular brokerage account, every time you sell a stock or a property at a gain, you owe capital gains tax that year. Inside an IRA, you don't. Your investments compound without being taxed along the way.

You also get a tax break on either the way in or the way out. A Traditional IRA lets you skip income tax on the money you contribute now, and you pay tax when you withdraw in retirement. A Roth IRA works the other way around. You pay income tax on contributions now, and qualified withdrawals in retirement, including all the growth, come out tax-free.

Most IRAs at brokerages or banks only let you hold stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. A self-directed IRA is the same account with the same tax rules, but the asset list is wider. Real estate, private equity, precious metals, cryptocurrency, private loans, private placements. If the IRS allows it inside an IRA, you can hold it.

So opening an account is really two choices. First, Roth or Traditional, which sets when you pay tax. Second, self-directed or brokerage, which sets what you can invest in. The two are independent, and you make both.

Alternative Assets

Most common alternative assets.

There is a wide range of alternative assets that can be held in a self-directed IRA, including:

Real Estate

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.

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Private Equity

Private equity investments, such as venture capital and angel investing, can also be held in a self-directed IRA.

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Precious Metals

Self-directed IRAs can invest in precious metals, such as gold and silver, either in physical form or through exchange-traded funds.

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Cryptocurrencies

Some self-directed IRA custodians allow for investment in cryptocurrencies.

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Private Debt

Self-directed IRAs can invest in private debt opportunities, such as promissory notes and private loans.

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Private Placements

Private placements, which are securities offerings that are not publicly traded, can also be held in a self-directed IRA.

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Why Accuplan

Why investors choose Accuplan.

Accuplan is a Third Party Administrator working alongside American Estate & Trust, our custodial partner. We administer the alternative-asset retirement accounts that let you invest in what you understand. Four things set us apart from a brokerage IRA.

AET as Custodian

Your assets are held by American Estate & Trust, a Nevada-chartered trust company. Accuplan administers the account; AET safeguards what is in it.

Flat $349.95 Annual Fee

A flat, non-percentage-based fee. Your account can grow without your fees growing with it.

Real Human Support

Call or email a specialist who knows your account. No bots, no ticket queues, no off-shore call centers.

How to start

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.

1

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.

2

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; or transferring funds or assets from one provider to another within the same retirement account type.

3

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 customers are saying

Real account holders, real outcomes.

The Accuplan team has been incredibly helpful. They have saved me on several occasions — probably from paying over $50,000 in personal income taxes. I have been a customer for almost four years, and every time I call or need advice, they have been there. They personally set up my self-directed IRA LLC so I can manage my real estate holdings. Accuplan is an incredible and knowledgeable resource. I could not have done this without them.

CL
Captain Chris Liu
San Francisco, CA · Customer since 2022

Open a Self-Directed IRA with Accuplan.

As a Third Party Administrator alongside our custodial partner American Estate & Trust, Accuplan allows investors to access a wide range of assets beyond traditional stocks and bonds. More investment options, greater control, flexibility, tax advantages, expertise and support.

Get Started Today

Frequently asked

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:

  1. Fill out the application.
  2. Fund your account.
  3. 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.