# Advanta IRA: Self\-Directed IRA Services \| Real Estate > A self\-directed IRA lets you invest in real estate, private lending, gold, private equity, and more\. Contact Advanta IRA to learn more\. Generated by Yoast SEO v28.7, this is an llms.txt file, meant for consumption by LLMs. ## Pages - [Why Advanta IRA](https://www.advantaira.com/why-advanta-ira/) - [Contact Advanta IRA](https://www.advantaira.com/contact-us/) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.advantaira.com/privacy-policy/) - [Self\-Directed IRA](https://www.advantaira.com/self-directed-ira/) - [IRA Alternative Investments](https://www.advantaira.com/self-directed-ira/alternative-investments/) - [Real Estate IRA](https://www.advantaira.com/real-estate-ira/) - [Get Started](https://www.advantaira.com/get-started-with-a-self-directed-ira/): Ready to open a new account but don’t know how? The process is easy, and we’ve broken it down into a few simple steps\. - [Traditional IRA](https://www.advantaira.com/self-directed-ira/types-of-self-directed-ira-accounts/traditional-ira/): A self\-directed traditional IRA works exactly like a typical traditional IRA\. The only difference is the added benefit of using alternative investments to build retirement income\. And, there’s a bonus: you are in control of choosing those assets\. You can invest in things like real estate and private equity instead of only stocks, bonds, and mutual funds\. - [Roth IRA](https://www.advantaira.com/self-directed-ira/types-of-self-directed-ira-accounts/roth-ira/): A Roth IRA is one of the most beneficial retirement plans available\. This is especially true if you expect your tax bracket during retirement to be equal to or higher than your current bracket\. For example, all contributions are made after tax\. The earnings—including interest, dividend income, and capital gains—grow tax free\. A self\-directed Roth IRA offers the same benefits\. However, these plan owners choose their own assets and use alternative investments to build retirement wealth\. - [SEP IRA](https://www.advantaira.com/self-directed-ira/types-of-self-directed-ira-accounts/sep-ira/): A Simplified Employee Pension, or SEP IRA, is a low\-cost, easy retirement plan for small businesses, typically with 25 or fewer employees\. Employers can make contributions for themselves as well as their employees\. But, the main attraction of this plan is that you can make larger annual contributions than you can in a traditional IRA\. Sole proprietors, independent contractors, partners, corporations, and the self\-employed can all take advantage of the benefits these accounts offer\. - [SIMPLE IRA](https://www.advantaira.com/self-directed-ira/types-of-self-directed-ira-accounts/simple-ira/): A Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees \(SIMPLE IRA\) is a salary reduction plan for small businesses and/or the self\-employed\. As long as your business does not sponsor another retirement plan, you can offer this account to your employees and even take advantage of the benefits yourself\. The startup cost and administrative fees are less than a 401\(k\), and this plan is a great strategy to lower your business’s tax liability\. Employees elect to defer a percentage of compensation, pre\-tax, each pay period\. The employer contributes the salary deferral and the employer’s matching amount to the employee’s account\. - [Solo 401\(k\)](https://www.advantaira.com/self-directed-ira/types-of-self-directed-ira-accounts/solo-401k/): An individual 401\(k\), also called a solo 401\(k\), is specifically geared for the self\-employed and/or small business owners who do not have full\-time employees \(except themselves, their partners, or their spouses\)\. This plan allows a business owner to defer a portion of their salary into the account as well as have the business make a matching contribution\. - [Health Savings Account \(HSA\)](https://www.advantaira.com/self-directed-ira/types-of-self-directed-ira-accounts/health-savings-accounts/): A health savings account \(HSA\) is designed to help individuals and families save for health care costs\. Withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are taxfree at any age\. They can be used for expenses such as prescriptions, eye care, dental care, and some over\-the\-counter medications\. - [Education Savings Account \(ESA\)](https://www.advantaira.com/self-directed-ira/types-of-self-directed-ira-accounts/education-savings-accounts/): An education savings account \(ESA\), also known as a Coverdell savings account, is a custodial account similar to a Roth IRA—except funds must be used exclusively for paying education expenses for the beneficiary\. Qualified educational expenses include tuition, books, and fees that are associated with qualified elementary, secondary, or higher education institutions\. These are a popular alternative to state 529 plans, and anyone can contribute to the account, including the designated beneficiary\. - [Private Lending](https://www.advantaira.com/self-directed-ira/alternative-investments/private-lending/) - [Precious Metals](https://www.advantaira.com/self-directed-ira/alternative-investments/precious-metals/): As a form of universal currency, precious metals are often touted as a hedge against market instability and inflation\. The cost of gold is generally not affected by rising interest rates, either\. Investing in gold, silver, palladium and platinum offers exceptional IRA diversification and potential appreciation\. However, these assets are not available in your typical retirement plan\. You must use a self\-directed account that alternative investments\. - [Cryptocurrency](https://www.advantaira.com/self-directed-ira/alternative-investments/cryptocurrency/): Cryptocurrency provides a way to trade goods and services across the globe without government regulation or centralized oversight\. Transactions are performed on self\-regulating platforms that are visible for the public to see\. This self\-regulation ensures stability, prevents double spending, and helps create longevity to ensure value as a viable currency or asset within the broader scope of e\-commerce\. - [Private Placements](https://www.advantaira.com/self-directed-ira/alternative-investments/private-placements/): Private placements in a self\-directed IRA are investments in privately held entities, such as companies, small businesses, or funds\. Your IRA can invest directly into a company or it can invest in a fund with other investors\. It can also loan money to a business in the form of a debenture or convertible note\. Dividends are tax sheltered, deposited directly into your IRA\. - [Resources for Self\-Directed Investing](https://www.advantaira.com/self-directed-ira-resources/): Advanta IRA believes that knowledge is power\. And our goal is to give you the knowledge and tools you need to take control of your retirement accounts and confidently invest\. Whether you are a seasoned investor or a novice, these resources for self\-directed IRAs were created to empower you as an investor\. - [Alternative Investing Insights](https://www.advantaira.com/blog/): \Expert Articles on Self\-Directed Retirement Accounts, Alternative Investments \& Industry News\ \Whether you're new to self\-directed investing or looking to expand your retirement portfolio, the Advanta IRA Alternative Investing Insights hub provides educational articles, industry updates, and practical guidance to help you make informed decisions\. Explore expert content covering self\-directed IRAs, solo 401\(k\)s, HSAs, and ESAs\. Learn about alternative investment strategies, including real estate, private lending, private placements, precious metals, cryptocurrency, and more\. Stay current with IRS rules, prohibited transactions, retirement planning strategies, legislative updates, and emerging trends in self\-directed investing\.\ \From beginner guides and step\-by\-step tutorials to market insights and legislative updates, our goal is to help investors understand the opportunities, responsibilities, and IRS requirements associated with self\-directed retirement accounts\. Browse the latest articles below to stay informed, discover new investment ideas, and gain the knowledge needed to confidently diversify your retirement portfolio\.\ - [Podcasts](https://www.advantaira.com/self-directed-ira-resources/podcasts/) - [Events \& Webinars](https://www.advantaira.com/events/): Advanta IRA hosts weekly events and webinars that educate people about self\-directed investing and alternative assets - [Meet the Team](https://www.advantaira.com/why-advanta-ira/meet-the-team/): With over 20 years of experience providing self\-directed IRA services, Advanta IRA oversees $3 billion in client assets under administration\. We are experts in our industry, committed to providing comprehensive support, reliability, and the personalized attention our clients deserve\. - [Forms](https://www.advantaira.com/self-directed-ira-resources/advanta-ira-forms/): View, download, and print our forms and fee schedule to open a new account, make a new investment, or maintain your account with Advanta IRA\. - [FAQs](https://www.advantaira.com/self-directed-ira/faqs/) ## Posts - [Rules for RMDs and the Penalty for Missing One](https://www.advantaira.com/blog/secure-act-2-0-rules-for-new-rmd-age-and-penalty-for-a-missed-rmd/): A required minimum distribution \(RMD\) is the minimum amount you must withdraw each year from certain retirement accounts when you reach retirement age—currently 73\. RMDs apply to traditional IRAs, 401\(k\)s, and other tax\-deferred plans\. These distributions are taxed as ordinary income and are required by the IRS to ensure they collect taxes on pre\-tax contributions to and tax\-deferred earnings within these retirement plans\. This article covers RMD deadlines and rules for traditional and Roth IRAs, SEP and SIMPLE IRAs, 401\(k\)s, and other employer plans, as well as for inherited IRAs\. You’ll also learn what to do if you miss an RMD\. - [Don't Miss the Deadline for Roth IRA Conversions](https://www.advantaira.com/blog/when-is-the-deadline-for-roth-ira-conversions/): The deadline for Roth IRA conversions is December 31st of the tax\-reporting year\. If you want to convert funds from a traditional IRA to a Roth that counts towards your 2025 income taxes, you must do so by December 31, 2025\. Converting funds from a pre\-tax plan into a post\-tax Roth IRA may be a good move for you—but it may not be\. It’s important you understand the tax implications a conversion triggers as well as the benefits\. While you can convert funds from any pre\-tax retirement account, for the purpose of this article, we explain the conversion process from a traditional IRA into a Roth IRA to show you how it works\. - [Self\-Directed IRA Real Estate Rules](https://www.advantaira.com/blog/quick-guide-self-directed-ira-real-estate-rules/): Real estate investments in an SDIRA are subject to IRS rules that must be followed carefully to avoid penalties and taxation of IRA\-owned assets\. The checklist below is a basic guide that outlines key rules and considerations on how real estate works in an IRA\. For best results and to avoid costly mistakes, we recommend you consult with investment and tax professionals to ensure your real estate IRA remains compliant\. The following are common questions regarding real estate in an IRA\. - [Solo 401\(k\)s vs SEP IRAs vs SIMPLE IRAs: Retirement Plans for Small Business Owners](https://www.advantaira.com/blog/self-directed-retirement-plans-for-small-business-owners/): Solo 401\(k\)s, SEP, and SIMPLE IRAs are three powerful retirement plans created for small business owners and self\-employed individuals\. This guide explains the differences, eligibility, contribution limits, deadlines, and tax advantages to help you choose the right plan for your business\. Plus, learn how you can self\-direct these plans to invest in alternative assets like real estate, private equity, and more\. Whether you’re a sole proprietor, run a side hustle, or manage a small team, this article will help you determine which plan fits your goals\. - [What Are Alternative Investments? Here’s a List of 120\+ for You \& Your SDIRA](https://www.advantaira.com/blog/what-are-alternative-investments-heres-a-list-of-120-for-your-sdira/): Investing off the stock market isn’t new\. You already know real estate and private equity are alternatives to Wall Street’s offerings\. But exactly what are alternative investments besides those popular choices? There are thousands of opportunities that fall into this asset class—things you’ve probably never heard of or thought were permissible in self\-directed IRAs \(SDIRAs\)\. This article explains how alternative investments can generate active and passive income to help you build wealth in your personal and/or retirement portfolio without worrying about stock market volatility\. ## Events - [Webinar – How Private Credit Investments Work in a Self\-Directed IRA](https://www.advantaira.com/event/private-credit-investments-self-directed-ira/): Learn how private credit investments work as an alternative to traditional fixed income, including the benefits, risks, and role in an SDIRA\. Register now\. - [Webinar Recording – How Does an HSA Work?](https://www.advantaira.com/event/how-does-an-hsa-work/): How does an HSA work? Learn the benefits, eligibility, rules, and how to self\-direct health savings accounts to invest in alternative assets\. Watch now\. - [Webinar – Real Estate Investing Trends: Tiny Homes, Large Developments, \& More](https://www.advantaira.com/event/investing-in-tiny-homes/): This webinar reveals how tiny homes and large\-scale housing models can drive community change and investor returns—especially through an SDIRA\. Register now\. - [Webinar Recording – Q4 Precious Metals Outlook: The Road to $5,000 Gold](https://www.advantaira.com/event/precious-metals-market/): Explore the Q4 2026 precious metals market outlook, including Fed policy, de\-dollarization, energy supply shocks, and the forces driving gold\. Watch now\. - [Webinar – Cost Segregation for Real Estate Investments](https://www.advantaira.com/event/cost-segregation-for-real-estate-investments/): Learn how cost segregation can accelerate depreciation, improve cash flow, work with bonus depreciation, and apply to real estate in an SDIRA\. Register now\. ## Podcasts - [Episode 232: Impact Investing in Action: How a Vegan ETF Excludes Animal Exploitation](https://www.advantaira.com/podcast/episode-232-what-is-impact-investing/) - [Episode 231: Credit\-Linked Notes: How Businesses Raise Capital on European Exchanges](https://www.advantaira.com/podcast/episode-231-credit-linked-notes/) - [Episode 230: Learn How to Invest in Pre\-IPO Companies from Harvey Kesner](https://www.advantaira.com/podcast/episode-230-pre-ipo-investing/) - [Episode 229: Mortgage Note Investing: Buying the Debt Instead of the House](https://www.advantaira.com/podcast/episode-229-buying-mortgage-notes/) - [Episode 228: Land Banking: How Investors Buy Land Ahead of Development](https://www.advantaira.com/podcast/episode-228-land-banking/) ## Popup Themes - [Banner Style](https://www.advantaira.com/?post_type=popup_theme&p=10390) - [Default Theme](https://www.advantaira.com/?post_type=popup_theme&p=155) ## Optional - [Sitemap index](https://www.advantaira.com/sitemap_index.xml)