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The IRS requires IRA custodians to obtain and report the fair market value (FMV)—or a good-faith estimate (GFE)—of IRA assets each year.  Valuation updates must also be updated before any taxable event, such as a distribution or Roth conversion.

For investors whose IRAs hold cash, publicly traded securities, or exchange-traded precious metals, FMV is easy to determine because market prices are readily available. However, when your SDIRA holds alternative assets—such as private companies, notes, or private equity—determining FMV requires additional care and documentation. In these cases, accurate valuations are not just helpful; they are essential.

• Annual deadline: Annual valuation updates for private assets must be submitted to STRATA by April 30 so STRATA can meet the IRS reporting deadline of May 31 via Form 5498.
• Acchountholder's role: STRATA will work directly with investment sponsors to complete the required annual valuation updates. Accountholders are notified of the process in February. If you are aware that your investment sponsor is unable to provide the annual valuation, you will be responsible for coordinating with a qualified, independent third party to obtain and submit the valuation update.
• Acceptable valuation methods: Valuations must be obtained from an independent, qualified source, such as a licensed appraiser, CPA, investment sponsor, or another independent third party familiar with the asset type.
• Documentation requirements: Supporting documentation must clearly identify the asset, include the valuation date, reflect the estimated value and be signed and dated by the valuation agent. 

Learn more → Process overview and document requirements

IRS Form 5498 is an informational tax form that shows your IRA’s annual contributions, rollovers, conversions, year-end fair market value, and whether an RMD is due. STRATA files this form with the IRS and provides a copy to you by May 31 each year. 

Learn more → IRS Form 5498

IRS Form 1099-R is issued when you take a distribution (cash or in-kind) from your STRATA IRA. STRATA provides the form by January 31 for any year in which a distribution occurs. You’ll receive a separate form for each IRA with a distribution, and you should provide it to your tax preparer when filing your return. 

Learn more → IRS form 1099-R

For general accountholder information inquiries, our team is available Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. CST.

• Email Us – Write to us at [email protected].
• Online Service Request Form – Submit a request, and a member of our team will call you to discuss your needs at a time that works best for you.
• Book a Meeting – Schedule an appointment with one of our Client Services Representatives.
• Call Us Directly – Reach us at 866-928-9394.

Changes made in your online account portal (such as updating your login credentials or security settings) do not update your official STRATA IRA account records. If you need to update information in both places, please follow the steps below.

Update your online account credentials 

1. Update password

2. Reset forgotten password

3. Update email

4. Recover username

5. Online user profile overview

Update your STRATA self-directed account records

• For security purposes, any updates to STRATA IRA account-related information (such as mailing address, phone number, or other account details) must be submitted by the accountholder using the Information Change Request—IRA Account form. 

• Financial professionals who need to update their STRATA contact information on record may do so by submitting the Information Change Request—Financial Professional form.

STRATA’s account fee schedule may vary based on the type of investments you hold and the services you use. You can download a copy of the fee schedule to review all charges, including detailed descriptions and cost breakdowns, on our STRATA Fee page.

1. Submit a request online
   • Under Need Help Managing Your STRATA Account? choose “I need to send personal information to STRATA. Please initiate a secure email communication to my email address of record.”
   • Select the type of communication so we can route your request to the right team.
2. Watch for STRATA’s reply. You’ll receive an email with the word “Secure” in the subject line.
3. Open and reply securely. Follow the “Receiving a Secure Message” instructions to open the email, reply, and attach any documentation if needed.

For a detailed step-by-step guide, visit here.

➡️Tip: When possible, submit forms through ServiceNOW, our online form submission platform. Your information is encrypted and sent directly to STRATA, making it the most secure way to share personal details. Visit STRATA’s Forms webpage to start an online request.

You can request a cash distribution by completing and submitting STRATA’s IRA Distribution Request form (available with e-sign). Through the form, you’ll select whether your distribution is one-time or recurring, partial or complete, choose your withholding elections, and designate how to cover any applicable fees. Once submitted, most distributions are processed within 2–5 business days.

Please note: Withdrawals before age 59½ may be subject to IRS penalties and taxes. STRATA account holders are encouraged to consult a tax professional regarding any potential tax consequences.

For step-by-step instructions—including recurring distributions, tax withholding, fees, and processing timelines—see our Cash Distribution Guide FAQ.

An in-kind distribution occurs when you withdraw an asset from your IRA without selling it first — for example, transferring property, shares, or metals directly into your personal ownership.

Submit STRATA’s IRA Distribution Request form (e-sign enabled) and select in-kind for the asset you wish to receive. Typical timeframes: 3–10 business days for non-precious-metal assets; for precious metals, STRATA coordinates with your depository and shipping generally begins within ~5 business days after fees are collected. You’ll receive change-of-ownership documents (where applicable); work with the issuer/depository to retitle the asset to you. 

Keep your contact info current to avoid delays, and talk with a tax professional about RMDs and any tax implications.

Learn more → In-Kind Distributions