Self-Directed IRAs

Mountain West IRA administers self-directed IRAs that provide the tax advantages associated with the applicable IRA type while allowing account owners to choose from a broader range of allowable alternative assets.

Related Articles & Resources

How Does an IRA Work? A Guide to Tax-Advantaged Retirement Savings

Planning for retirement is essential, and an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is one way to save for the future. IRAs offer tax advantages that can help grow your retirement savings over time, making them a valuable tool for long-term financial security. Understanding how IRAs work, the different types available, and the 2025 contribution limits will help you make informed decisions about your retirement savings.

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Prohibited IRA Transactions and Holdings

There are many choices when deciding how to invest your self-directed IRA.

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Can a Trust Own an IRA? Here's What the IRS Actually Says

A trust cannot own an IRA during your lifetime, but it can be named as beneficiary. Here's how it works, why it matters for estate planning, and what to consider before you decide.

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Choosing an Individual Retirement Account: Which IRA is Right for You?

When it comes to planning for retirement, choosing the right Individual Retirement Account (IRA) can be one of the most impactful decisions you make. Your choice depends on your financial situation, goals, and investment preferences. Below, we explore the key features of different types of IRAs to help you make an informed decision.

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How Does the IRS Treat Cryptocurrency Held in an IRA?

Thinking about adding Bitcoin or Ethereum to your retirement plan? Discover how the IRS treats cryptocurrency in an IRA, the tax advantages it can offer, and the compliance rules you can’t afford to overlook. See why a Self-Directed IRA could be the smarter way to diversify with crypto.

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Understanding EDB, NDB, and NEDB: What to Know When Inheriting an IRA

Understanding EDB, NDB, and NEDB: What to Know When Inheriting an IRA Inheriting an IRA can be a valuable financial opportunity—but it comes with complex rules. This blog breaks down the different beneficiary classifications under the SECURE Act, including Eligible Designated Beneficiaries (EDBs), Non-Eligible Designated Beneficiaries (NEDBs), and Non-Designated Beneficiaries (NDBs). Learn how each status affects your distribution options, timelines, and tax responsibilities so you can make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

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Understanding the Taxation of IRA Distributions

Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) are a cornerstone of retirement planning for many Americans, offering significant tax advantages. However, it is essential to understand how distributions from these accounts are taxed to avoid surprises during retirement. Below, we break down the tax implications of IRA distributions based on the type of IRA you hold.

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Understanding the Implications of Naming a Trust or Estate as an IRA Beneficiary

Inheriting an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) can be a significant financial event, but when a trust or estate is designated as the beneficiary, the administration and payout process can become complex. Understanding the post-death administration process, payout rules, and tax implications is crucial for those managing inherited IRAs through a trust or estate.

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Visualize your Future: The Surprising Tool That Boosts Retirement Planning and IRA Savings

Ever wonder what you’ll see in the mirror in another 10 or 20 years? This service of having your image aged is now available online and offline.

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The Great Depression

Dateline, October 9, 2008. One year ago today the Dow Industrial Average was 14,198.

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Planning on Making a Prior Year Contribution to Your IRA? Here Are 6 Facts to Keep in Mind

"Planning for retirement involves making savvy financial decisions, including utilizing prior year contributions to your IRA. This strategy offers flexibility and potential tax benefits, but it's essential to understand the rules. Learn about deadlines, contribution limits, tax implications, and the advantages of both Traditional and Roth IRAs. Whether you're catching up on savings or optimizing your tax strategy, these six key facts will guide you toward maximizing your long-term financial health."

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20 Years of Self-Directed IRA Rule Changes What Actually Changed From 2006 to 2026

Mountain West IRA opened in Boise in April 2006. Two decades later, almost every rule that touches a retirement account has been rewritten at least once. Here is the whole timeline, in plain language, from an Administrator who was open for business on every single one of those days.

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Understanding the Inherited IRA 10-Year Rule: What You Need to Know

If you’ve inherited an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or are planning your estate, you need to understand how the Inherited IRA 10-Year Rule affects your financial future. Introduced by the SECURE Act of 2019, this rule significantly changed how non-spouse beneficiaries manage inherited IRAs, requiring complete withdrawal of funds within 10 years of the original owner’s passing.

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Understanding Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)

Once you reach age 73, the IRS requires you to begin taking Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from certain retirement accounts. These withdrawals ensure tax-deferred funds eventually become taxable. Our guide explains when RMDs start, how they’re calculated, and what rules apply to different account types — from IRAs to 401(k)s. You’ll also learn how to avoid costly penalties and plan your withdrawals strategically. At Mountain West IRA, we help you take control of your retirement through Self-Directed IRAs and Solo 401(k)s, giving you the flexibility to invest in assets that align with your goals. 

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401(k) vs. IRA: Creditor and Bankruptcy Protection

When it comes to retirement planning, protecting your savings is just as important as growing them. In this article, we compare how different retirement accounts—like Solo 401(k)s, Traditional and Roth IRAs, SEP, and SIMPLE IRAs—are protected from creditors and bankruptcy. Learn the key differences between federal and state protections, and how to make informed decisions about where to hold your retirement assets. 

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Can You Consolidate Your IRA Accounts?

Managing multiple Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) can be complex, but consolidating them can simplify retirement planning. Mountain West IRA often hears from clients asking if they can combine their IRAs, and the answer is a definite "Yes!" Consolidation offers several benefits, including simplified account management, a cohesive investment strategy, and potential cost savings on fees. The consolidation process involves selecting a provider, deciding which accounts to merge, initiating the transfer, and reviewing investment options post-consolidation. Key considerations include avoiding tax pitfalls, timing the consolidation carefully, and updating beneficiary designations. Mountain West IRA provides guidance through every step of this process, helping clients streamline their retirement savings. For personalized advice, consulting with a financial advisor is recommended.

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What is a SIMPLE IRA and Who Is It For?

Discover the advantages of a SIMPLE IRA (Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees Individual Retirement Account), a retirement savings plan tailored for small businesses and self-employed individuals. This blog post delves into how a SIMPLE IRA offers an easy and cost-effective solution for both employers and employees to contribute to individual retirement accounts. Learn about its benefits, contribution limits, and how it simplifies the process of securing a financially stable future for your team and yourself.

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Mountain West IRA Announces Major Expansion for 2014

Mountain West IRA will be expanding our business to the states of Washington and Florida.

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The State of Real Estate in 2008

The opening of 2008 brings a new and vibrant market in hard asset investments. Following a year in which many real estate investors have seen decreases in their investments—even from purchases just six months to a year earlier—they contemplate what to do next.

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Navigating the Pitfalls of Excess IRA Contributions: What You Need to Know

This blog provides essential guidance on managing Individual Retirement Account (IRA) contributions to avoid costly mistakes. Excess contributions, which exceed IRS limits, can incur significant penalties. For instance, in 2024, individuals under 50 can contribute up to $7,000. Excess contributions may arise from contributing to a Roth IRA above income limits or making ineligible rollovers. The IRS imposes a 6% annual tax on excess amounts until corrected, typically by October 15 of the following year. Options post-deadline include withdrawals with penalties or applying excess amounts to future contributions. Proper management and timely corrections are crucial for optimizing retirement savings and avoiding financial penalties.

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What is a SEP IRA, and who are they for?

This blog post provides a comprehensive overview of a SEP IRA, covering its definition, benefits, eligibility criteria, and suitability for various types of business owners and self-employed individuals. It emphasizes the high contribution limits, tax advantages, simplicity in administration, and flexibility in contribution decisions annually. The post also highlights that SEP IRAs can be beneficial for both small business owners and self-employed individuals looking to maximize retirement savings while potentially providing retirement benefits to employees. It concludes by recommending consultation with a financial advisor for personalized guidance.

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Annuity vs. IRA: What’s the Difference?

When planning for retirement, it’s common to hear about annuities and IRAs, but they serve very different purposes. Understanding the difference can help you make the right choice for your financial future. An annuity is a financial product issued by an insurance company that provides a stream of income, often for life or a set period. It can be purchased with after-tax money or through a tax-advantaged account like an IRA. The primary benefit of an annuity is its ability to provide guaranteed payments, making it an attractive option for those looking for financial security in retirement.

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Best Insights on IRAs

The opening of 2008 brings a new and vibrant market in hard asset investments. Following a year in which many real estate investors have seen decreases in their investments.

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Who is Eligible to Set up an IRA Account?

This blog provides a comprehensive overview of who is eligible to set up an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), highlighting key eligibility criteria such as age, income requirements, and tax filing status. It emphasizes the flexibility and benefits of both Traditional and Roth IRAs for various groups, including young professionals, self-employed individuals, and those seeking tax advantages or additional retirement savings options. The blog encourages readers to consider IRAs as a powerful tool in their retirement planning, suggesting consultation with a financial advisor to tailor decisions to individual financial situations.

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7 Times to Reevaluate Your IRAs

Life Changes, Job Changes, when is it a good time to check in with your retirement accounts?

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Prior-Year IRA Contributions: What They Mean and How They Work

Explore how prior-year IRA contributions can help you maximize your retirement savings even after the calendar year ends. This guide explains how the contribution window works, key deadlines, 2025 and 2026 limits, and important eligibility rules for Traditional and Roth IRAs. Learn how to properly designate contributions and how Self-Directed IRA investors can use this strategy to increase investment potential across real estate, private lending, and alternative assets. 

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Top 3 Benefits of SEP IRAs for Small Business Owners

A smarter retirement strategy starts with the right tools. SEP IRAs are designed specifically for business owners, offering the ability to contribute more during strong years, reduce administrative complexity, and decide contributions when your financial picture is clear. It’s a flexible, efficient way to grow your retirement savings while staying focused on running and expanding your business. 

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Why IRA-to-IRA Rollovers Are Limited

Understanding how to move your IRA assets is essential to avoiding unnecessary taxes and penalties. This article explains the key differences between IRA-to-IRA rollovers and direct custodian-to-custodian transfers, including IRS limitations, timing requirements, and why transfers are often the safer option. Learn how to stay compliant, reduce risk, and make informed decisions when repositioning your retirement funds.

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IRA Exceptions You Should Know: Avoiding the 10% Early Withdrawal Penalty

Avoiding the 10% IRA Early Withdrawal Penalty: Exceptions You Should Know Early withdrawals from your IRA typically come with a 10% penalty—but there are important exceptions that may allow you to access your funds without the extra cost. In this article, we break down the most common scenarios where the IRS waives the penalty, including disability, first-time home purchases, education expenses, medical needs, and more. Understanding these rules can help you make informed financial decisions while protecting your retirement savings.

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Self Directed IRAs and Real Estate Investments

Although the options are nearly unlimited when investing in real estate with a self directed IRA, it is extremely important to understand and follow the IRS guidelines to avoid hefty penalties for violations.

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Understanding SEP and SIMPLE IRAs: Retirement Solutions for Small Business Owners

When it comes to saving for retirement, small business owners and self-employed individuals have unique challenges. Traditional employer-sponsored retirement plans like 401(k)s can be costly and complex to manage. Fortunately, there are simpler, more cost-effective options designed specifically for small businesses: SEP and SIMPLE IRAs. These retirement plans offer flexibility and benefits tailored to the needs of small business owners.

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Simple IRAs for Small Businesses

SIMPLE stands for Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees, and it offers a streamlined way for employers to make contributions for themselves and their employees. With fewer rules and simpler administration than many other retirement plans, SIMPLE IRAs have fewer regulatory requirements compared to other retirement plans, making them an option for small businesses.

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Rolling Over Your Defined Benefit Plan

A defined benefit plan promises a specified monthly benefit at retirement.

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How to Fund an IRA

Funding an IRA is straightforward, but understanding the options available—whether by transfer, rollover, contribution, or conversion—can help ensure you maximize the benefits while staying tax-efficient. Here’s a breakdown of each method.

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Video Library

How to Own Cryptocurrency in your Self-Directed IRA

Can I Invest in Cryptocurrency like Bitcoin in my IRA?

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Can I Invest in Bitcoin in my IRA?

Can I Invest in bitcoin in my IRA? Retirement accounts like IRAs, either tax-deferred or even tax-free, are extremely powerful investment tools!

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What are SEP & SIMPLE IRA's?

What are SEP & SIMPLE IRA's? We discuss the difference between the two, who they would most benefit, and what the rules are for both SEP & SIMPLE IRA accounts.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can a prohibited transaction affect my self-directed IRA?

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Can I take a distribution from my self-directed IRA before age 59½?

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How do distributions work when my self-directed IRA holds non-cash assets?

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What are some exceptions to the 10% additional tax on early distributions?

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Explore More With a Self-Directed IRA

A self-directed IRA allows you to choose from a broader range of allowable alternative assets, including real estate, promissory notes, precious metals, and more.

Mountain West IRA provides the administrative and recordkeeping services to support your account and process transactions at your direction.

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