Self-Directed Roth IRA
The retirement account built for tax-free growth, investment flexibility, and long-term control.
A Roth IRA is one of the most flexible retirement tools available. You contribute after-tax dollars now, and once you meet IRS requirements, you can withdraw earnings tax-free in retirement. When you structure it as a Self-Directed Roth IRA with Horizon Trust, you keep that same tax treatment plus the freedom to invest in a wide range of assets, from real estate and precious metals to cryptocurrency. You can still hold traditional investments too, like stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, and REITs. It’s your account, your choices.
Roth IRA Contribution Limits and Deadlines
- Annual Contribution Limit: $7,500
- Catch-Up Contribution (age 50+): $1,100
- Tax Year Deadline: April 15
Explore a Smarter, Tax-Free Retirement Strategy
Connect with our team and learn how a Self-Directed Roth IRA can support tax-free growth, broader investment options, and long-term control.
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Why the Roth IRA Is a Strategic Choice
- Tax-free withdrawals: All qualified distributions come out tax-free, so you keep full gains.
- No required minimum distributions (RMDs): Unlike many other accounts, you can let the account grow longer (note that beneficiaries have RMDs).
- Investment flexibility: From stocks and mutual funds to real estate or private equity, you expand your portfolio how you choose.
- Control and diversification: You decide investments, diversify assets, and structure your plan to match your goals.
With a Roth IRA, you pay taxes on your contributions now. Later, once you meet IRS requirements, your withdrawals in retirement are tax-free, including any earnings your investments made along the way.
A Self-Directed Roth IRA keeps that same tax treatment while giving you control over where your money goes. For many people, knowing their withdrawals won’t be taxed makes retirement planning simpler.
Roth IRA Highlights
Tax Advantages
Contributions use after-tax dollars and withdrawals of gains are fully tax-free if rules are met.
Eligibility
Individuals under income-phase-out thresholds may contribute; earned income is required.
Contribution Limits
$7,000 annually, or $8,000 if age 50 or older.
Rollover Options
You can roll over or convert from a Traditional IRA or other eligible plan—subject to tax and rules.
Withdrawals
Withdrawals of earnings before age 59½ or before account has been open five years may be taxed and penalized.
No RMDs
No required distributions during your lifetime if you own the account.
Proven Success. Trusted Leadership. Real Impact.
At Horizon Trust, we make it simple to open and manage a Self-Directed IRA, so you can take control of your retirement on your terms. Founded by Greg Herlean, who has overseen more than $1.3 billion in real estate transactions, Horizon Trust was built by someone who understands what self-directed investors need: personalized service, fast transactions, and a custodian that stays out of your way.
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Self-Directed Roth IRAs Help Investors Build Wealth Smarter
Whether you are starting early or shifting to tax-free growth, a self-directed Roth IRA offers long-term strategic benefits.
Investors choose Horizon Trust’s self-directed Roth IRA because it offers:
- Straightforward account setup with online tools and expert support
- Tax-free compounding that maximizes growth over decades
- Access to a broad selection of asset types to match personal strategy
- Custodial compliance and record-keeping so you can focus on investing
Open a Roth IRA in 4 Simple Steps
STEP 1
Open Your Account
Contact Horizon Trust to create your Roth IRA with self-directed capability and select your tax-free structure.
STEP 2
Fund Your Tax-Advantaged Account
Contribute from earned income, roll over from a traditional account, or convert eligible assets.
STEP 3
Select and Direct Your Investments
Choose the assets you want—stocks, bonds, mutual funds, real estate or private placements—and instruct Horizon Trust to execute them.
STEP 4
Manage and Grow
Monitor your account, make new contributions each year if eligible, and utilize the tax-free withdrawal benefit when you retire.
Contact Horizon Trust today to learn more about opening your Self-Directed Roth IRA or converting an existing retirement account.
Disclaimer
Horizon Trust Company is an independent passive Custodian and is not associated or affiliated with and does not recommend, promote or advise any specific investment, investment opportunity, investment sponsor, investment company or investment promoter or any agents, employees, representatives or other of such firms or entities. Investments are not FDIC Insured, offer no bank guarantee and may lose value.
Learn About Self-Directed Roth IRAs
What Exactly Is a Roth IRA?
A Roth Individual Retirement Account allows you to make contributions with after-tax dollars. Your earnings grow tax-free and qualified withdrawals in retirement are not taxed at all.
A Self-Directed Roth IRA simply adds the ability to choose a wider array of investment types while retaining these core benefits.
Roth IRA Eligibility
To contribute you must have earned income, and your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) must fall below IRS-set phase-out levels. Contribution eligibility phases out as income rises.
You can convert other retirement accounts (like Traditional IRAs) into a Roth, though that triggers income tax on the converted amount.
Similarities and Differences Between a Self-Directed IRA and a Standard IRA
Both offer tax-advantaged savings for retirement with similar contribution limits and structural rules.
Differences:
- Investment Options: Standard IRAs typically limit you to publicly traded stocks, bonds and funds. Self-Directed IRAs allow additional assets like real estate, private equity, and cryptocurrency (within IRS rules).
- Custodial Role: Standard IRA custodians provide investment products directly; self-directed custodians (such as Horizon Trust) act as passive administrators while you control investments.
- Investor Responsibility: With a self-directed structure, you take responsibility for choosing and managing assets—this gives you flexibility, but also requires diligence.
That means if you want broader assets and control, a self-directed Roth IRA may suit you.
Traditional vs. Roth IRA
Traditional IRAs allow pre-tax contributions and tax-deferred growth. Withdrawals are taxed as income.
Roth IRAs use after-tax contributions and allow tax-free growth and withdrawals, with no required distributions while you live.
If you expect higher taxes in retirement or want no RMDs, Roth may be preferred. If you want a tax deduction now and expect lower tax in retirement, a Traditional IRA may fit better.
Your Future, Backed by Our Track Record
Trusted by investors nationwide to take control of their retirement through Self-Directed IRAs.
Helping clients grow and protect wealth across real estate, crypto, and private investments.