How long has the company been in business?

Founded in 2010, IRA Financial has been in business for more than a decade and now has over 24,000 clients in all 50 states who have invested over $3.2 billion in alternative assets. It was founded by Adam Bergman, a tax attorney, author of nine books on self-directed retirement plans, and one of the most recognized voices in the self-directed retirement industry. IRA Financial has over 75 employees located in 5 states and is the fastest growing provider of self-directed retirement accounts in the country.

Is the company regulated? How can I verify that you are in good standing and not a scam?

IRA Financial Trust Company, the arm of the company under which your account is established, is a South Dakota state chartered custodian under 408(a)(2) and a bank custodian defined under 408(n) referenced therein. We are regulated and licensed by the South Dakota Division of Banking. As a non-fiduciary trust company, we must meet the capitalization, compliance, anti-money laundering, consumer protection, and cybersecurity requirements as set forth by the South Dakota Division of Banking and protect the interests of our customers first and foremost. Please find the list of state chartered trust companies here.

What type of retirement accounts can I use to set up an account?

Any United States retirement account, including IRA, Roth IRA, SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA, Solo 401(k), 401(k), Keogh, profit sharing plan, rollover 403(b), 457(b), or defined benefit/cash balance plan.

How long does it take to open an account?

24-72 hours. Everything can be done on our app.

When can I start investing with my account?

1. The application will go into a queue to be reviewed. A new account specialist will call you within 3-5 business days if items are missing, filled out incorrectly, or need further follow up.

2. Once the application is complete and correct, an account number will be assigned within 3-5 additional business days. The account number will be emailed to you by [email protected].

3. The transfer form will be submitted to the Transfer Department, or instructions to complete a Rollover or contribution will be emailed to you with your account number.

4. Once we receive the funds, they will be ready for investment. An investment authorization form is to be completed and required investment documentation must be provided/uploaded so that IRA Financial can fund the investment. Within 24-72 hours, the funds will be sent for investment or the IRA LLC.

Do you charge transaction fees for making investments?

No and we are the only Self-Directed IRA custodian that doesn’t.

Who handles annual IRS reporting on my account?

We do. We handle all IRS reporting with respect to the IRA, including filing IRS forms 1099-R and 5498.

Do I need an independent appraisal for my Self-Directed IRA?

Only if you are planning to take an in-kind distribution or are over the age of 73 and are required to take required minimum distributions (“RMDs”). An independent third-party should sign the valuation form.

How do I make contributions to my self-directed account?

Simply complete a Deposit Form on our app and then send in the funds by wire or check. Remember to include your account number on the check or wire.

Can I do a partial rollover or transfer of my retirement funds?

Yes. You are free to transfer any amount of IRA funds to IRA Financial or rollover nay amount of funds from an employer pension plan.

How do I do a rollover to my account from an IRA?

If you wish to transfer or rollover funds from another IRA to IRA Financial, simply complete a Transfer Authorization Form on our app and we will take care of the rest. Make sure the funds you wish to rollover are in cash.

How do I do a rollover to my account from a 401(k) or non-IRA account?

You will have to initiate the rollover with your former employer. You will likely be required to complete a Direct Rollover Request Form. Just remember to indicate you will be rolling over the funds directly to an IRA and include your IRA Financial account number. A rollover between retirement custodians is tax free and can be done at any time.

Who holds my money?

Your funds sent to IRA Financial are held at Capital One bank. The funds are FDIC protected up to $250,000. However, once the funds are invested and sent from IRA Financial to facilitate your investment, IRA Financial is no longer in charge of those funds and you are 100% responsible for the investment.

Do I get to make all investment decisions with my account?

Yes – 100%.

Do you charge an asset management fee?

No. We believe all our clients, irrespective of account size, should get the same amazing services. Additionally, we want all our clients to become seven-figures retirement investors so we don’t believe in charging more fees because they are successful.

What IRS reporting do I have as an account holder?

We handle all IRS reporting for your Self-Directed IRA. However, you are required to report any IRA contributions made or distributions taken on your Federal Income Tax Return (1040). In addition, if you have used a non-recourse loan or have invested your Self-Directed IRA into a business operated through an LLC or other pass-through entity, then you may be required to file IRS Form 990-T for Unrelated Business Taxable Income.