Types of SDIRAS
Explore your IRA options
Choosing the right IRA can help you maximize tax advantages, grow your savings, and build the retirement you want. Let’s find the best fit for you.
Your investments should work for you—tax-efficiently.
Unlike a traditional savings account, IRAs offer tax-deferred or tax-free growth, helping your money compound faster over time.
Individual IRAs
-
Traditional IRATax-deferred growth, pay taxes in retirement
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Roth IRATax-free withdrawals in retirement
Employer-Sponsored IRAs
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SEP IRAEmployer-funded, higher contribution limits
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SIMPLE IRAIdeal for small businesses offering retirement benefits
Traditional IRA vs. Roth IRA
Self-directed IRAs give you more control over your retirement strategy with flexible investment options. Download our guide to explore IRA choices, or use our Roth vs. Traditional IRA Calculator to see which fits your goals.
| Features | Traditional IRA | Roth IRA |
|---|---|---|
|
Tax treatment |
Traditional IRA:
Tax-deferred growth; pay taxes on withdrawals |
Roth IRA:
Tax-free growth; no taxes on qualified withdrawals |
|
Contribution type |
Traditional IRA:
Pre-tax |
Roth IRA:
After-tax |
|
Contribution limits (2026) |
Traditional IRA:
$7,500 ($8,600 if 50+) |
Roth IRA:
$7,500 ($8,600 if 50+) |
|
Eligibility |
Traditional IRA:
Anyone with earned income |
Roth IRA:
Income limits apply |
|
Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) |
Traditional IRA:
Yes, starting at age 73 |
Roth IRA:
No RMDs |
|
Ideal for |
Traditional IRA:
Individuals expecting to be in a lower tax bracket in retirement |
Roth IRA:
Those who expect to be in a higher tax bracket in retirement |
Leverage our expertise
STRATA helps you every step of the way. Explore frequently asked questions or reach out to talk to an SDIRA Specialist.
SEP vs. SIMPLE IRA
Self-directed IRAs give business owners flexible retirement solutions. Download our guide to explore IRA options, or use our Retirement Planning Calculators to find the best fit for your business.
| Features | SEP IRA | SIMPLE IRA |
|---|---|---|
|
Best for |
SEP IRA:
Self-employed & small business owners |
SIMPLE IRA:
Small businesses with 100 or fewer employees |
|
Who contributes? |
SEP IRA:
Employer only |
SIMPLE IRA:
Employer + employee |
|
Contribution limits (2026) |
SEP IRA:
Up to 25% of compensation or $72,000 |
SIMPLE IRA:
Employees: $17,000 (+$4,000 if 50+) |
|
Employer contribution |
SEP IRA:
Discretionary |
SIMPLE IRA:
Mandatory (match up to 3% or contribute 2%) |
|
Withdrawals & taxes |
SEP IRA:
Regular IRA tax rules |
SIMPLE IRA:
25% penalty if withdrawn in first 2 years |
Private assets
Invest in private equity and debt—with expert guidance every step.
Directly owned real estate
Access tools and support you need to hold real property in your IRA.
Gold & precious metals
Easily invest in IRS-approved metals with secure custody and simple processing.
Public investments
Add traditional assets like stocks and mutual funds to your self-directed 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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