Fund your self-directed IRA with ease
Choose the best funding method to start your investment journey while minimizing tax exposure.
Fund first, invest faster
Before you can direct funds to an investment, your self directed IRA must be funded. Starting early is essential, especially when timing is critical, since each funding method has its own processing timeline and potential tax implications.
Funding options
Direct transfer
A direct transfer involves moving funds or assets directly from one IRA custodian to another without taking possession of the assets yourself. This method is often used to consolidate retirement accounts or shift assets to a custodian that supports specific investment types.
Advantages:
- Tax-deferred: transfers are not reported as income and do not incur taxes or penalties.
- No time constraints: There are no limits on the number of transfers per year.
Considerations:
- Asset eligibility: Ensure the assets being transferred are acceptable for custody by STRATA.
- Processing Time: Typically takes 10-14 days, depending on the current custodian's processing times.
Step
Complete transfer forms
Fill out the necessary transfer request forms provided by STRATA.
Step
Submit documentation
Provide any required supporting documents.
Step
Custodian coordination
STRATA will coordinate with your current custodian to facilitate the transfer.
Processing timeline: 5–20 business days, depending on the transferring custodian. Visit our Self-Directed IRA Knowledge Center to learn more about direct transfers.
Rollover
A rollover involves moving funds from an employer-sponsored retirement plan (like a 401(k)) into your SDIRA. This can be done directly (trustee-to-trustee) or indirectly (where you receive the funds before depositing them into the IRA).
Advantages:
- Investment flexibility: Access a broader range of investment options within your SDIRA.
- Tax benefits: If done correctly, rollovers are tax-free and avoid penalties.
Considerations:
- 60-day rule: For indirect rollovers, you must deposit the funds into the new IRA within 60 days to avoid taxes and penalties.
- One-year waiting rule: You can only perform one rollover
per year from the same IRA.
Step
Contact plan administrator
Inform your current plan administrator of your intent to roll over funds.
Step
Choose rollover method
Decide between a direct or indirect rollover.
Step
Complete necessary forms
Fill out rollover request forms provided by STRATA.
Processing timeline: 5–15 business days after funds are issued by the prior provider. Visit STRATA's Self-Directed IRA Knowledge Center to learn more about rollovers. Refer to the IRA Portibility Chart for eligability.
Annual Contribution
An annual contribution is a direct addition of funds to your SDIRA from your personal savings, subject to IRS contribution limits.
Advantages:
- Tax-advantaged growth: Contributions grow tax-deferred or tax-free, depending on your IRA type.
- Control over investments: Directly increase your investment capital within the IRA.
Considerations:
- Contribution limits: View the current year IRA contribution limits, deductibility limits and phase-out ranges.
- Eligibility: Must have earned income to contribute.
Step
Contact plan administrator
Inform your current plan administrator of your intent to roll over funds.
Step
Choose rollover method
Decide between a direct or indirect rollover.
Step
Complete necessary forms
Fill out rollover request forms provided by STRATA.
Processing timeline: 1–2 business days once funds are received. Review STRATA's Self-Directed IRA Knowledge Center to learn more about annual contributions.
Funds availability: For faster processing, we recommend using electronic payments (ACH or wire) when remitting funds to a STRATA account. Checks may be subject to a hold of up to 7 business days to confirm funds.
Next steps after funding
Once your self-directed IRA has been funded, you’re ready to put your money to work. Providing direction instructions is a simple process:
Submit investment directions
Provide clear instructions on where you want your funds invested, along with any required documentation.
We process your request
Our team reviews your directions for accuracy and ensures the custody is in compliance with IRS guidelines.
Funds are directed
When everything is in good order, your investment direction is processed — typically within 2–3 business days.
Need help? We’re here for you
Our Client Services team is here to help—reach out for quick, personalized support.
Maximize your IRA with recurring contributions
Set up automatic contributions to keep your retirement strategy on track. Our secure online tools make it easy to stay consistent and grow your IRA over time.
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Recurring contributions: Schedule ongoing deposits to steadily build your retirement savings.
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Stay tax-advantaged: Ensure you’re making the most of annual IRA contribution limits.
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Simplify investing: Automate contributions so you never miss a step toward maximizing your IRA.
A smarter way to invest starts here
Open: Choose the type of IRA that fits your goals and complete our quick online application.
Fund: Transfer funds from another IRA, roll over a 401(k), or make a new contribution.
Invest: Tell us where to direct your investment—we’ll manage custodial details while you start enjoying the tax advantages.
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