Everyone Saves More with a Self‑Directed SIMPLE IRA
A Self‑Directed SIMPLE IRA is a retirement plan designed for small business owners and their employees which allows participants to invest in alternative assets providing greater control and diversification. This type of plan is ideal for businesses with fewer than 100 employees.
What is a SIMPLE IRA?
A SIMPLE IRA (Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees) is a retirement savings plan designed for small businesses with 100 or fewer employees. It allows both employer and employee contributions, making it a straightforward and cost-effective option for companies that want to offer retirement benefits without the complexity of larger plans like a 401(k).
Employees can contribute up to $16,000 in 2025, with an additional catch-up for older savers. Employers are generally required to either match employee contributions up to 3% of compensation or make a fixed contribution of 2% for all eligible employees, regardless of participation. The self-directed variation allows the business owner to allow for non-traditional, or alternative, assets like real estate, precious metals, cryptos and more. SIMPLE IRAs are easy to administer and offer immediate vesting, but they come with lower contribution limits compared to other retirement plans.
Why Choose IRA Financial for Your Self‑Directed SIMPLE IRA?
IRA Financial offers specialized services for setting up Self-Directed SIMPLE IRAs, providing small businesses and their employees with greater control over their retirement investments. As an experienced IRA custodian and provider, we make it easy to establish and manage your plan with confidence.
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Self-Directed SIMPLE IRA
At IRA Financial, we believe investing for retirement shouldn’t come with complicated fee structures or fine print. You keep more of what you earn, and you stay in control every step of the way.
Checkbook Control
$495
/ annually
- $999 setup fee
- Ultimate freedom and privacy
- Invest in almost anything you want
- Use a traditional, Roth, SEP or SIMPLE IRA, ESA or HSA
- No transaction or asset value fees
Custodian Control
$495
/ annually
- Free setup fee
- Ideal for businesses with less than 100 employees
- Flexible investment options
- Immediate vesting of contributions
- No annual IRA filing requirement
How to Open a SIMPLE IRA
A Self-Directed SIMPLE IRA makes saving easy for you and your team. Opening an account is fast and easy.
01
Open Your Account
Setting up a Self-Directed SIMPLE IRA is easy. Start by opening a new account with us here.
02
Get your SIMPLE IRA account number
Once approved, you’ll receive your Self-Directed SIMPLE IRA account number to move forward.
03
Fund your account
Start making contributions to the account. Employers will also fund their portion of contributions.
The Benefits of a Self-Directed SIMPLE IRA
Better Tax Advantages
Lower your taxable income with both employer and employee contributions. A Self-Directed SIMPLE IRA lets small businesses and their teams grow tax-deferred retirement savings while reducing current tax liabilities.
Broader Investment Choices
Invest beyond traditional stocks and mutual funds. With a Self-Directed SIMPLE IRA, you can diversify into real estate, private placements, and other alternatives—without sacrificing contribution simplicity.
Greater Earning Potential
Make consistent contributions—with the added power of employer matching—to help accelerate long-term savings. SIMPLE IRAs are ideal for teams looking to build steady retirement growth without high complexity.
Built-in Asset Protection
Help shield retirement savings with built-in protections and optional structuring strategies. SIMPLE IRAs offer peace of mind while empowering your team to invest more confidently.
Direct Investment Control
You and your employees decide how to invest—from conventional assets to alternatives. A Self-Directed SIMPLE IRA gives each account holder more freedom to manage their own retirement path.
Custodial Support
An IRA custodian handles the logistics, while you maintain full control over investment direction. It’s an easy way for employers to offer retirement benefits without taking on administrative burden.
Our SIMPLE IRA vs other providers
SIMPLE | SEP | Solo 401(k) | |
Book a Consultation
Schedule a free consultation with a member of our team to explore how opening a self-directed retirement account can unlock your ability to invest tax-free in a variety of alternative assets.
What Alternative Assets Can You Invest in with a SIMPLE IRA?
At IRA Financial, you can diversify your portfolio by investing in a wide range of alternative assets beyond traditional stocks and bonds. These include:
Self-Directed SIMPLE IRA FAQs
Answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about Self-Directed SIMPLE IRAs.
To participate in a SIMPLE IRA:
- Spouses and family members can also participate in the SIMPLE IRA, provided they are employees of the business.
- The business must have 100 or fewer employees who earned at least $5,000 in the previous year.
- Employees must have earned at least $5,000 in any two preceding years and expect to earn at least $5,000 in the current year.
- Employers cannot offer any other qualified retirement plan alongside a SIMPLE IRA.
Yes, after the two-year holding period, you can roll over a SIMPLE IRA into a Self-Directed IRA without penalties.
For 2025, you may contribute up to $16,500, which is $500 more than 2024. If you are at least age 50, you may contribute an additional $3,500. Further, if you are between the ages of 60 and 63, you may contribute a total of $21,750 with the accelerated catch-up contribution.
Withdrawals before age 59½ are subject to a 10% penalty, plus income tax. If taken within two years of opening the account, the penalty increases to 25%.
No, the IRS prohibits investing in a business where you or your family members have a controlling interest.
Yes, RMDs begin at age 73, based on the IRS life expectancy tables.
Internal Revenue Code Sections 4975 & 512 govern the prohibited transaction rules using an IRA. Essentially, your IRA cannot invest in life insurance, collectibles, or transact with a disqualified person.
Employers must choose between a 3% match or a 2% fixed contribution for all eligible employees. These contributions are tax-deductible.
See What Our Clients Have to Say
I decided to open a Self-Directed IRA because I wanted to invest in real estate projects. Also, having control of my money was a big motivating factor as well. Being able to decide where and when to invest has been very successful for me. All the real estate projects I have selected have been solid investments. I have recommended IRA Financial to friends and family.
I believe that the sphere of influence, those we surround ourselves with and the firms we partner with is critical to our success. I’m honored to have found Adam Bergman and IRA Financial. Adam and his team have created a culture of raving fans, and I’m truly grateful to be one of them. Being treated like family is absolutely priceless.
I researched several companies before deciding to go with IRA Financial. I am completely happy with my choice. I appreciate that I can ask questions about rules prior to making an investment to make sure I am compliant. I like that I can invest in traditional investments, but also real estate. I have invested in land, rentals, and home flips. Whenever I am speaking with self-employed individuals, I bring up IRA Financial and the idea of opening a Solo 401(k). I think it is a no-brainer for someone who is self-employed and wish I had opened mine up sooner.
Ready to Invest in Your Future?
Whatever strategy you plan for retirement, we do it all. Build your retirement with a Self‑Directed IRA designed for alternative and non traditional investments.
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