What Are Digital Assets in a Self-Directed IRA?

A self-directed IRA may hold certain digital assets, including eligible cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, through arrangements that meet applicable account and administrative requirements. Availability depends on the asset, platform, and applicable restrictions.

Understanding Digital Assets in a Self-Directed IRA

Eligible Digital Assets: Certain cryptocurrencies and other digital assets may be permitted, subject to applicable requirements.
Platform Requirements: Digital assets must be held through arrangements acceptable for IRA administration and recordkeeping.
Ownership & Control: IRA-owned digital assets must remain separate from the account owner's personal holdings.
Risks & Considerations: Digital assets may involve significant price volatility, cybersecurity risks, and potential loss of value.

How Digital Assets Work in Your Self-Directed IRA

Mountain West IRA does not select, recommend, research, evaluate, or perform due diligence on assets. Account owners are responsible for evaluating their asset choices and associated risks.

Select Your Digital Asset: Research the proposed asset and identify a platform or service provider that meets applicable IRA and Mountain West IRA administrative requirements.
Complete and Submit Purchase Instructions: Review, complete, and sign the applicable Mountain West IRA Purchase Kit (Direction of Investment) and required platform documentation before submitting them to our Transactions Department.
Transactions Department
Phone: (208) 510-0859
Email: transactions@mwira.com
Administrative Review: Mountain West IRA reviews the submitted documentation for administrative requirements and coordinates any necessary corrections or additional information.
Fund the Transaction: Once administrative requirements are satisfied, Mountain West IRA p
Manage Your Asset: Account owners may purchase and sell eligible digital assets directly within their established IRA platform account. Assets and proceeds must remain within the IRA's authorized holding arrangement, and any transfers or withdrawals must follow applicable IRA and Mountain West IRA procedures.

Getting Started With Your self-directed IRA

Follow the steps below to establish and fund your self-directed IRA, submit asset purchase instructions, and understand ongoing account requirements.

Complete Your Starter Kit. Select the appropriate account application below. To request electronic signature documents, email accounts@mwira.com or call (208) 314-2580.

Traditional IRA Starter Kit

PDF Download

Roth IRA Starter Kit

PDF Download

SEP Starter Kit

PDF Download

Individual 401(k) Plan Starter Kit

PDF Download

SIMPLE IRA Starter Kit

PDF Download

Health Savings Account (HSA) Starter Kit

PDF Download

Traditional IRA Starter Kit

PDF Download

Roth IRA Starter Kit

PDF Download

SEP Starter Kit

PDF Download

SIMPLE IRA Starter Kit

PDF Download

Precious Metals Foreign Currency Starter Kit

PDF Download

Individual 401(k) Plan Starter Kit

PDF Download

Health Savings Account (HSA) Starter Kit

PDF Download

Fund Your Account. Fund your account through an eligible transfer, rollover, or contribution, depending on the account type and your circumstances.

Submit Your Purchase Instructions. Complete the appropriate transaction forms and provide any required supporting documentation to Mountain West IRA for administrative review.

Maintain Your Asset. Any income or proceeds generated by IRA-owned assets must be deposited into the IRA, and eligible asset-related expenses must be paid from IRA funds. Mountain West IRA provides ongoing administrative and recordkeeping services and processes authorized transactions at the direction of the account owner.

Understanding Digital Asset Ownership in a Self-Directed IRA

The Digital Assets Self-Directed IRA Guide explains how certain digital assets may be held in a self-directed IRA, including platform requirements, account ownership, transaction documentation, and important considerations for account owners.

Digital Asset Self-Directed IRA Rules & Requirements

Platform Requirements: Digital assets must be held through arrangements that meet applicable IRA and Mountain West IRA administrative requirements.
IRA Ownership: Digital assets must remain separate from personal holdings and be maintained under an eligible IRA ownership arrangement.
Risks & Considerations: Digital assets may experience significant price volatility and involve cybersecurity, custody, and liquidity risks.
Transaction Requirements: Once an eligible IRA platform account is established and funded, account owners may trade digital assets directly within the platform, subject to applicable account and platform requirements.

Why Choose Mountain West IRA?

Experience Since 2006: Providing self-directed retirement account administration and recordkeeping services since 2006.

Client-Directed Administration: You choose the assets held within your account. We process transactions at your direction and maintain account records.

Alternative Asset Experience: Our team has experience administering accounts that hold a wide range of allowable alternative assets.

Educational Resources: Access guides, videos, webinars, and other resources to better understand self-directed retirement accounts.

Personalized Support: Get responsive assistance with account establishment, administration, and transaction processing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Hold Bitcoin and Other Digital Assets in a Self-Directed IRA?

Yes. A self-directed IRA may hold Bitcoin and certain other eligible digital assets through platforms that meet applicable IRA and Mountain West IRA administrative requirements. Once the IRA platform account is established and funded, account owners may trade eligible digital assets directly within the platform.

How Are Digital Assets Held in a Self-Directed IRA?

Digital assets are held through an eligible IRA platform arrangement, separate from the account owner's personal holdings. Mountain West IRA provides administrative and recordkeeping services for the IRA but does not manage the platform account or direct individual trades.

Self-Directed IRA Education, Wherever You Are

Explore educational resources about self-directed IRAs, allowable assets, account requirements, and more through our blog and social media channels.

Blog

Read educational articles about self-directed IRAs, allowable assets, and account requirements.

YouTube

Watch educational videos covering self-directed IRA topics and account processes.

Facebook

Follow Mountain West IRA for educational content, company news, and updates.

TikTok

Explore short educational videos about self-directed IRAs and related topics.

Instagram

Find educational posts, company updates, and self-directed IRA information.

Threads

Follow conversations and updates about self-directed IRAs and related topics.

Real Estate Forms

Access all required forms for purchasing, funding, and managing real estate investments through your Mountain West IRA, including purchase kits, wire instructions, and transaction-related documents.

Click Here to Access Purchase Forms

Click Here to Access Maintenance Forms

Mountain West IRA is a self-directed IRA Administrator and record-keeper and does not provide investment, tax, or legal advice. All information is general in nature. Investors should check with their own financial advisor, tax professional, or attorney about their exact situation before making any investment.