Self-Directed IRA LLC
The Self-Directed IRA LLC is a retirement account vehicle that is best known for allowing investors to use retirement funds to buy alternative assets, such as real estate.
The Self-Directed IRA LLC
“Self-Directed IRA” is not a term of art, and you will not find it anywhere in the Internal Revenue Code (IRC). It simply refers to an IRA account which is permitted to be invested in traditional assets, such as stocks, but also alternative assets, such as real estate, gold, precious metals, cryptocurrencies, and more. One major advantage of investing in alternative assets with a Self-Directed IRA is that all income and gains are tax-deferred until the time when the IRA holder (you) takes a distribution.
What is a Self-Directed IRA LLC?
The Self-Directed IRA LLC with “checkbook control” has become the most popular vehicle for investors looking to make investments that require a high frequency of transactions (think rental real estate). Under the “Checkbook IRA” format, a limited liability company (LLC) is created which is then funded and owned by the IRA and managed by the IRA holder.
The “checkbook control” Self-Directed IRA allows one to eliminate costs and delays often associated with using a full-service IRA custodian. This option allows the investor to act quickly when the right investment opportunity presents itself cost effectively and without delay.
Setting up a Checkbook IRA with IRA Financial
- Download our app, set up an account and establish a Self-Directed IRA.
- Fund the account via direct contributions or initiate a transfer/rollover of other retirement funds. IRA Financial will handle all IRA transfers automatically, but rollovers from 401(k) plans will need to be initiated by you (we are always available to assist).
- IRA Financial will establish a special purpose LLC that will be wholly owned by the IRA, along with an LLC bank account at Capital One for you. Alternatively, you are free to use a bank of your choice.
- You will be notified once your funds have been transferred to IRA Financial. We will then send the funds to your LLC.
- As manager of the IRA LLC, you will have checkbook control over all the assets and funds within it and can make any investment by check or wire on your own. Since the LLC will be owned by one IRA, it will be treated as a disregarded entity for federal income tax purposes and no federal income tax return will be required. All income and gain from your investments will flow back to the IRA without tax.

1. Transfer your funds to a passive custodian tax free
Your retirement funds are transferred from your custodian to a passive custodian like IRA Financial.

How it Works

2. Establish an LLC and transfer your funds into its new bank account
You can serve as a manager of your established LLC. IRA Financial opens your bank account hassle free at Capital One, then transfers your retirement fund into that new account.


3. Get checkbook control and start investing in alternative assets
As a manager, you have checkbook control and can direct the LLC to invest in real estate, tax liens, private business, metals, cryptocurrencies and more.
Benefits of a Self-Directed IRA LLC
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Is the Self-Directed IRA LLC Right for Me?
- Gain limited liability protection
- Control over investments as manager of the LLC
- No transaction fees
- Privacy – investment is being titled in the name of the LLC and not the IRA
In general, if you are looking for limited liability protection, ultimate control, and/or privacy, the Self-Directed IRA LLC would be a smart choice!
Self-Directed IRA LLC Investments
Self-Directed IRA LLC Investments
- Residential Real Estate
- Commercial Real Estate
- Foreclosed Properties
- Mortgage Pools
- Private Loans
- Tax Deeds
- Deeds
- Precious Metals
- Hold your private keys with Cryptocurrencies
- Private Businesses
- Stocks and Bonds
- Mortgage