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The Self-Directed IRA Handbook: An Authoritative Guide For Self Directed Retirement Plan Investors and Their Advisors
The Self-Directed IRA Handbook is the most widely used book in the self-directed IRA industry. The first edition was released in 2013 and sold over 20,000 copies. The Second Edition added 80 new pages of content and three new chapters (solo 401(k), cryptocurrency, valuations) with over 50 new citations. The Handbook, now in its Second Edition, clearly explains the prohibited transaction rules, investment structures, common self-directed IRA investment assets (real estate, private company, IRA/LLCs, private equity, hedge funds, crowdfunding, crytpocurrency, precious metals), and IRA tax pitfalls (UBIT & UDFI tax). The Handbook also includes extensive FAQs after each chapter, and nearly 150 citations to cases, statutes, rulings, and opinions from the IRS and DOL.
337 pages, Paperback
First published December 30, 2013
165 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
September 28, 2025
This isn't the most interesting subject, but I highly recommend reading this book if you are interested in establishing a Self-Directed IRA or Solo-401k. The book covers the do's and don'ts of using and administrating a self-directed retirement account as well as establishing and using a LLC to manage the funds. The book goes through all the pros and cons of the Multi-member LLC as well. The author is a lawyer and also part owner of DirectedIRA.com DirectedTrustCo. He offers great material on the website as well.
The book discusses rental and real-estate property in detail as well as some tax laws that could be applicable. The one area that the book doesn't cover enough is the purchase of assets, such as a membership or software license, in or outside the LLC that could be distributed over time to a Roth or personal account and when they can/can't be used.
The book discusses rental and real-estate property in detail as well as some tax laws that could be applicable. The one area that the book doesn't cover enough is the purchase of assets, such as a membership or software license, in or outside the LLC that could be distributed over time to a Roth or personal account and when they can/can't be used.
February 18, 2019
This is a very informative book, and a foot in the door to enter in the self directed IRA.
March 29, 2022
A great resource on SDIRAs. Lots of good info for beginners and experienced investors alike.
May 30, 2020
I found this book to be an excellent source on self-directed IRAs. Though there are parts that are not now applicable to me and probably never will be, there were several chapters that I will definitely use in my investing and tax-management, some in the next several months. I strongly recommend this book to anyone with IRA funds (or convertible funds) who has interest in investing in things other than equities or bonds.
September 17, 2019
Book full of really insightful tips/advice. Great use of scenarios and real life examples. Not the most exciting content, but the author did really well.
I would consider this a book that you have on hand and flip through when you have questions, rather than one you sit and read straight through. If you do the latter, it'll be difficult.
I would consider this a book that you have on hand and flip through when you have questions, rather than one you sit and read straight through. If you do the latter, it'll be difficult.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews