Small Business Owners Benefit from Self‑Directed SEP IRAs
A Self‑Directed SEP IRA (Simplified Employee Pension) is a powerful retirement savings plan designed for self‑employed individuals and small business owners. A Self‑Directed SEP IRA version allows for a wide range of investment options, including real estate, private equity, precious metals, and cryptocurrencies.
What is a SEP IRA?
A Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) IRA lets an employer (including a sole proprietor) make tax‑deductible contributions to IRAs for themselves and eligible employees. Only the employer contributes; no salary deferrals or catch‑ups apply. For 2026, the contribution limit is the lesser of 25% of compensation or $72,000, and compensation counted for plan purposes is capped at $360,000. Required minimum distributions generally begin at age 73.
Why Choose IRA Financial for Your Self‑Directed SEP IRA?
By choosing IRA Financial as your SEP IRA custodian, you can tailor your retirement investments to align with your financial goals — improving your portfolio’s growth and stability.
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Self-Directed SEP IRA
At IRA Financial, we believe investing for retirement shouldn’t come with complicated fee structures or fine print. You keep more of what you earn, and you stay in control every step of the way.
SEP IRA – Checkbook Control
$495
/ annually
- $999 setup fee
- Ultimate freedom and privacy
- Invest in almost anything you want
- Use a traditional, Roth, SEP or SIMPLE IRA, ESA or HSA
- No transaction or asset value fees
SEP IRA – Custodian Control
$495
/ annually
- Free setup fee
- Best plan for small business owners
- Checkbook Control – serve as your own trustee
- Maximize tax deductions (up to $70,000)
Public Markets, Now Available
Hold stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds alongside your alternative investments — all in one self-directed account with one flat annual fee.
$150 off when you use code STOCKS
Stocks trading is a $100 add-on. Open an SDIRA, Checkbook IRA, or Solo 401(k), add stocks trading, and get $150 off your first year.
How to Open a Self‑Directed SEP IRA
A Self-Directed SEP IRA lets you take charge of your retirement investments. Open an account easily and start diversifying on your terms.
01
Open Your Account
Opening a self-directed retirement account is simple. Submit your online account application in just a few minutes. Get Started
02
Get your SD SEP IRA account number
Once your account is reviewed and approved. You’ll receive your account number and gain full access to our online retirement platform.
03
Fund your account
Transfer or rollover funds from an existing retirement account or fund your account through a direct contribution. Once funded, you’ll be able to make your investments and start growing your wealth.
The Benefits of a Self‑Directed SEP IRA
Better Tax Advantages
Make larger tax-deferred contributions as a business owner, reducing taxable income while growing retirement savings faster—ideal for high-earning solopreneurs or lean teams.
Broader Investment Choices
Use your SEP IRA to invest in alternative assets like real estate, private equity, or crypto—just like traditional IRAs—but with greater contribution limits.
Greater Earning Potential
Take advantage of high annual contribution caps (up to 25% of compensation) to accelerate retirement growth—especially powerful when paired with high-return investments.
Direct Investment Control
Choose where and how to invest without brokerage restrictions. With a Self-Directed SEP IRA, you make the calls.
Faster Transactions
Act quickly on opportunities with direct access and minimal red tape—perfect for hands-on investors or entrepreneurs managing their own portfolios.
Custodial Support
A dedicated SEP IRA custodian handles the backend—you stay focused on growth, while they handle compliance and record keeping.
Our SEP IRA vs other providers
SEP | SIMPLE | Solo 401(k) | |
Book a Consultation
Schedule a free consultation with a member of our team to explore how opening a self-directed retirement account can unlock your ability to invest tax-free in a variety of alternative assets.
What Alternative Assets Can You Invest in with a SEP IRA?
At IRA Financial, you can diversify your portfolio by investing in a wide range of alternative assets beyond traditional stocks and bonds. These include:
Self-Directed SEP IRA FAQs
Answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about Self-Directed SEP IRAs. You can check out our full list of FAQs here.
A Self-Directed SEP IRA is designed for:
- Businesses with employees (if contributions are provided equally for all eligible employees)
- Self-employed individuals (freelancers, consultants, gig workers)
- Small business owners (LLCs, sole proprietors, partnerships, S corporations)
Eligible employees include:
- Must be at least 21 years old
- Worked for the employer for at least three of the past five years
- Earned at least $750 in compensation in 2025
Note: Employers must contribute the same percentage of salary for all eligible employees.
Yes, you can contribute to both, but total contributions must not exceed the IRS limits.
Yes. You’re the employer and can contribute for yourself. If you later hire, you must include eligible employees.
Contributions must be made by the employer and can vary each year between 0% and 25% of compensation with a maximum of $70,000 for 2025, which is $1,000 more than 2024. Each eligible employee must receive the same percentage. Compensation used in the calculation is capped at $350,000.
By your business tax‑return due date, including extensions.
By your business tax‑return due date, including extensions.
Withdrawals before age 59½ are subject to a 10% penalty, plus income tax.
Yes, you can roll over funds from another IRA or 401(k) into a Self-Directed SEP IRA, which is especially useful if you wish to make alternative investments.
Yes, RMDs generally begin at age 73 under SECURE 2.0 and current IRS guidance.
Yes. Beginning in 2023, thanks to the SECURE Act 2.0, you may now elect to make after-tax Roth contributions to a SEP IRA. There is no immediate tax break, however, qualified distributions are tax free.
Yes, employees are not required to participate, but if the employer contributes, all eligible employees must receive contributions.
- Follow IRS rules on prohibited transactions.
- Ensure contributions don’t exceed limits.
- Withdraw funds only after age 59½ (or face penalties).
See What Our Clients Have to Say
I must say that my experience hiring IRA Financial Group and Rep. Ravenna Maer to handle my self-directed LLC was extraordinary and very professional. They work rapidly and hassle free. They communicate well and as often as I needed. Also, Ravenna Maer took the time to answer every question I had. I highly recommend IRA Financial Group to everyone who is interested in IRA’s.
Thank you so much! You and your team have made this a wonderful experience for us. We are very grateful for your step by step help. We have already shared our testimony with our family and friends! I really appreciate all the links you shared and the reminders along the way. I am excited to start earning income from the rental and I know that the income will provide us with additional security in an uncertain economy! Thanks again for all your help, we couldn’t have done this without you!
The process of setting up my self-directed IRA was quick and painless. There were a lot of forms to be completed, but the customer service at IRA Financial Group is great and they are very quick to respond. I was able to complete my set up quickly and get my funds transferred very quickly. Thanks!
Ready to Invest in Your Future?
Whatever strategy you plan for retirement, we do it all. Build your retirement with a Self‑Directed IRA designed for alternative and non traditional investments.
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