Support built for private asset investors

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

STRATA cannot custody certain investments, including (but not limited to):

Private equity

• Single-member entities
• Family-owned entities (50% or more owned by related family members)
• Foreign entities
• Joint ventures
• Oil and gas working interests

Private debt

• Unsecured loans to individuals
• Loans secured by vehicle titles
• Foreign real estate
• Personal property

For new private assets not yet onboarded to STRATA’s platform, please complete STRATA’s pre-custody review process or contact us before opening your account to confirm that your investment is eligible for custody.

Learn more → Investment Onboarding

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.

If the unrelated business taxable income (UBTI) or unrelated debt-financed income (UDFI) attributable to your IRA account exceeds $1,000 for any taxable year, IRS Form 990-T must be filed—along with the appropriate amount of tax paid from your IRA account. 

If you have any questions, please consult with your investment sponsor or tax professional to determine if you are required to file Form 990-T or pay taxes. STRATA does not provide investment, legal, or tax advice. Individuals should consult with their investment, legal, or tax professionals for such services.

Learn more → Investment Income & Taxes

If the annual fair market value (FMV) is not provided by the deadline, STRATA will be required to resign as the custodian of the account due to noncompliance with IRS reporting requirements. In this case, the asset will be distributed directly to the accountholder.

•  If a corrected IRS Form 5498 is filed, the fee will apply; the Late FMV fee and Account Closure Fee will also apply. The distribution of the asset will be considered a taxable event, and penalties and additional taxes may be incurred.
• We will make every attempt possible to work with you to avoid these actions. Refer to STRATA's Fee Schedule for a full list of service fees.

Learn more → FMVs

It’s essential to provide payment instructions before or at the time funds are sent to STRATA.

• Payments from borrowers or servicing agents should be accompanied by a completed Deposit Certification.
• For wire payoffs, the borrower or servicing agent should also send a copy of the deposit coupon by email or fax.
• Make sure STRATA has your payment terms on file to avoid delays.

Investment sponsors may provide reconciliation instructions using STRATA’s file format template. Bulk payments or payments covering multiple accountholders can be submitted via SFTP or secure email. To learn more, contact [email protected] or view STRATA’s Private Equity Investment Setup Quick Guide.

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.

Beneficiary designations must be made and signed by the IRA owner. To add or update beneficiaries, complete the Beneficiary Designation/Change form. You’ll need each beneficiary’s full contact details, Social Security number, and date of birth.

If the accountholder is deceased, previously designated beneficiaries may update their contact details using the Information Change Request – IRA Account form.
 

Learn more → Beneficiary Designations

You have several options for paying your fees:

• Online – Submit invoice payments (invoice number required) online.
• AutoPay – Enroll by completing the Fee Payment Authorization form for easy, recurring payments.
• Over the phone – Call our Client Services team 866-928-9394 to make a payment securely.
• Mail – Send a check to PO Box 849, Austin, TX 78767.

Learn more → Account fee payment options

A required minimum distribution (RMD) is the minimum amount that the IRS requires you to withdraw from your IRA each year. The exact amount will vary from year to year based on certain factors. The Secure 2.0 Act raised the age at which IRA owners must begin taking RMDs to 73. 

If an RMD is due on your account, STRATA will provide you with your calculated RMD by January 31 each year if you meet the applicable age requirement. STRATA does not calculate RMD amounts for inherited accounts. You can also view your calculated RMD in the Quick Summary section of your online account portal.

Learn more → RMD info