What is an IRA?

A self directed IRA is a personal savings plan that gives you tax advantages for setting aside money for retirement. Provided you meet certain Self Directed IRA rules and income guidelines, this traditional IRA allows you to deduct your contribution in the tax year it is made, and investment earnings accumulate tax deferred. Upon reaching retirement age (59½ years old), distributions are treated as ordinary income. If you take a distribution before reaching retirement age, you will incur a 10% penalty as well as federal and state income taxes. You must begin taking distributions at age 72.