Key Takeaways Collectibles, such as works of art, carpets, antiques, metals (including Silver and Gold IRA), gems, stamps, coins and alcoholic beverages, cannot be held in these accounts. The IRS doesn't have a list of “approved investments” for self-managed IRAs, but what it does have is a list of types of investments, transactions, and prohibited situations where you don't want your IRA to participate. If you find a trustee who manages self-managed IRA accounts, it's possible to make real estate and other investments. They exist to prevent you and your IRA from having an unfair advantage over other investors and to prevent you (or you, through your family) from directly benefiting from the Silver and Gold IRA at least until you retire. Self-directed IRAs are governed by a set of rules that self-directed investors must know and follow.
The IRS considers the money you saved to be an indirect benefit and is not included in your self-directed IRA. There are tons of options, but to ensure that you comply with all the rules and regulations, it's best to work with a self-directed IRA depositary, such as IRA Innovations, to find the right investments you can make. These investment rules are really the biggest differences between investing in an IRA and the traditional purchase of real estate, aside from the incredible tax benefits. As experts in “alternative” investments, including private equity, they can provide the tools and information needed to get started with a real estate IRA.
