Home / IRA Resources / Self Directed IRA Custodians
Self-Directed IRA Custodians
Understanding Self-Directed IRAs
Introduction
Self-directed IRAs allow you to invest your retirement funds in alternative assets like real estate, private companies, precious metals, etc. This differs from traditional IRAs that usually invest in stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. However, self-directed IRAs still require an IRA custodian to handle the administrative and compliance aspects of the account.
Many IRA custodians avoid working with self-directed IRAs because they miss out on transaction fees and other revenue compared to traditional IRAs. So it’s important to find an IRA custodian that is flexible and open to alternative investments.
Navigating A Maze of Options
With potentially thousands of IRA custodians and third-party administrators (TPAs) in the market today, most are not hospitable to the IRA LLC arrangement with checkbook control because either they fail to recognize its legitimacy or it’s too costly for them to do so.
After all, if your IRA LLC gives you a license to make your own investment decisions, your IRA custodian stands to lose lots of money in processing and transaction fees over the life of your IRA.
IRA Custodians vs. Third-Party Administrators (TPAs)
IRA custodians are financial institutions subject to specific banking standards detailed in IRC Section 408.
In contrast, third-party administrators (TPAs) are unregulated entities but can act as an intermediary or the go-between between you and your IRA custodian, so be careful not to confuse them.
The Role and Limitations of Your Self-Directed IRA Custodian
It’s crucial to understand that your self-directed IRA custodian is not liable or legally permitted to offer you investment products or advice on matters like establishing your IRA LLC, legal issues, taxes, investments, etc. As a passive third party, their role is limited because, after all, you are self directed, and you are the one in control of your self directed IRA, NOT them.
List of Self Directed IRA Custodians
Below is a curated list of self-directed IRA custodians equipped to manage your IRA’s administrative and compliance requirements without conflicts of interest. Note: A number of them support the IRA LLC structure.
Setting up your IRA LLC reduces your custodial fees, saving you hundreds, if not thousands, over the life of your IRA because all your investment transactions are handled through your LLC, not the IRA custodian.
As a result, savvy investors are turning to IRA LLCs to reduce their expenses and increase their return on investment (ROI).
Contact us if you need help finding the ideal IRA custodian to host your IRA LLC. We’d be happy to assist you! Contact us now at 866-241-9884.
Choosing The Right Custodian For Your IRA LLC!
Let Us Help You Navigate The Maze Of Custodial Options
|
IRA Custodian
|
Phone Number
|
Website
|
|---|---|---|
|
Community National Bank
|
(800) 680-0340
|
cnbservice.net
|
|
First Midwest Bank
|
(800) 322-3623
|
firstmidwest.com
|
|
Forge Trust
|
(800) 248-8447
|
forgetrust.com
|
|
Horizon Trust Company
|
(888) 205-6036
|
horizontrust.com
|
|
Kingdom Trust Company
|
(888) 753-6972
|
kingdomtrust.com
|
|
Liberty Trust Company
|
(800) 473-1977
|
libertytrustco.com
|
|
Madison Trust Company
|
(800) 721-4900
|
madisontrust.com
|
|
Mainstar Trust Company
|
(800) 521-9897
|
mainstartrust.com
|
|
Nevada Trust Company
|
(702) 696-0000
|
nevadatrust.com
|
|
Next Generation Trust
|
(888) 857-8058
|
nextgenerationtrust.com
|
|
Pensco Trust Company
|
(866) 818-4472
|
pensco.com
|
|
Preferred Trust Company
|
(888) 990-7892
|
preferredtrustcompany.com
|
|
Provident Trust Group
|
(888) 855-9856
|
trustprovident.com
|
|
Summit Trust
|
(800) 822-6711
|
summittrust.com
|
Explore Your IRA LLC Custodian Options With Our Guidance
Benefits
An IRA LLC allows you to make investments directly through the LLC rather than going through the custodian. After the LLC is set up, all transactions happen inside of it.
This gives you more flexibility, control, and privacy over your IRA investments. It also significantly reduces custodian fees over the life of the account since the custodian is not involved in each transaction.
With an IRA LLC in place, you can invest in a broader range of assets while keeping fees low. However, the IRA LLC must be properly structured to maintain the IRA tax benefits.
IRA LLC Setup Assistance
Setting up an IRA LLC can be complex due to the rules and regulations involved. There are specific steps that must be taken to ensure the IRA LLC is established and operated correctly.
Given the intricacies of IRA LLCs, it’s recommended to seek assistance from specialized companies like the one below if you plan to establish an IRA LLC. They can help navigate the setup process and avoid costly mistakes.
Investment Transactions
Custodians are required for all IRA transactions.The IRA LLC allows direct investment.
Investment Options
Custodians restrict your asset selection. The IRA LLC liberates your IRA and permits a broader array of investment alternatives.
Control and Flexibility
Your custodian oversees your IRA. The LLC enables self-direction and control.
Reduced Fees
The IRA custodian charges per IRA transaction; the IRA LLC has a one-time setup fee.
Select The Right Custodian For Your IRA LLC!
Let Help You Navigate The Maze of Options!
|
Custodian
|
Minimum Account Size
|
Annual Fee
|
Alternative Assets Allowed
|
Customer Service Rating
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Custodian 1
|
$5,000
|
$275
|
All major categories
|
|
|
Custodian 2
|
$2,500
|
$195
|
Limited options
|
|
|
Custodian 3
|
$1,000
|
$225
|
All major categories
|
|
|
Custodian 4
|
$10,000
|
$325
|
Only real estate and precious metals
|
|
|
Custodian 5
|
$5,000
|
$150
|
All major categories
|
|
Notes
- Minimum Account Size shows the minimum initial deposit required to open an account.
- The annual fee represents total annual account administration and maintenance costs.
- Alternative Assets Allowed summarizes the range of non-standard investment options permitted.
- Customer service ratings vary based on third-party review sites.
We Are Here To Help!
Would you like our help determining which self-directed IRA custodian is right for your IRA LLC and your investment needs?
We’d be delighted to assist you.
Contact us now at 866-241-9884.
We can help you streamline your IRA LLC setup and guide you every step of the way.
Would You Like To Set Up Your IRA LLC?
Download our in-house IRA LLC checklist for free to create IRA LLCs for our clients. You will also receive a sample IRA LLC operating agreement to review.