Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Retirement Account Solutions
Equity Trust Company has been a pioneering force in self-directed retirement accounts for over 50 years, empowering investors to take control of their financial futures. As an IRS-approved custodian since 1983, we specialize in providing innovative solutions like the Equity Universal IRA, Self-Directed IRAs, and Solo 401(k) plans, enabling clients to invest in both traditional and alternative assets. Our core values of excellence, passion, integrity, and collaboration drive our commitment to delivering personalized service, supported by 500+ associates processing 2.7M+ transactions annually.With $72 billion in assets under custody and administration, we combine cutting-edge technology with decades of expertise to streamline investment processes for individual investors and financial professionals nationwide. Our BBB A+ rating and industry recognition as the Best Self-Directed IRA Company (2020-2025) underscore our dedication to trustworthiness and client-centric innovation.
Services
Self-Directed IRA
Universal IRA
Solo 401(k)
Checkbook IRA LLC
990-T Tax Preparation
Real Estate Investing Hub
Cryptocurrency IRA
Precious Metals Custody
WealthBridge Investment Portal
Investment District Marketplace
Details
- Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
- 50+ years as industry-leading self-directed IRA custodians
- 500+ associates processing 2.7M+ annual transactions
- BBB A+ rated with 3,035+ client reviews
- Exclusive Real Estate Checkbook IRA LLC structure
- $72 billion in assets under custody nationwide
Associations and certifications
- IRS-approved custodian
- South Dakota trust company
What people say
Easy process
Professional service
Quick transactions
Excellent support
Trusted expertise
Services
Self-Directed IRA
A retirement account allowing investment in both traditional assets and alternative options like real estate and private equity. Clients maintain control over investment decisions while Equity Trust Company handles custodial duties. Requires adherence to IRS guidelines regarding prohibited transactions and disqualified persons.
Universal IRA
Combines traditional and alternative investments within a single IRA. Enables tax-advantaged growth across public and private markets including stocks, real estate, and cryptocurrency. Features integrated WealthBridge technology for seamless asset management.
Checkbook IRA LLC
Provides direct checkbook control over IRA funds for real estate investments. Structures investments through a limited liability company owned by the IRA. Requires strict compliance with IRS rules about transaction handling and recordkeeping.
Solo 401(k)
Retirement plan for self-employed individuals offering higher contribution limits than IRAs. Features tax-deferred or Roth options, integrated banking, and direct control over investments. Includes automated compliance tools and recordkeeping.
990-T Tax Preparation
Assistance with unrelated business income tax filings for IRAs holding debt-financed property or LLC investments. Provides form preparation and electronic payment processing through EFTPS to maintain IRS compliance.
Questions
What is a Self-Directed IRA?
A retirement account allowing investment in both traditional assets and alternative options like real estate and private equity while maintaining IRS compliance.
How does the Universal IRA work?
Combines traditional and alternative investments in one IRA through integrated technology connecting public and private market platforms for unified portfolio management.
Can I invest in real estate with an IRA?
Yes, through structures like the Checkbook IRA LLC which enables direct real estate purchases while maintaining proper custodial oversight and tax compliance.
What are prohibited transactions?
IRS-defined activities including transactions with disqualified persons, self-dealing, or receiving personal benefits from IRA assets that violate retirement account rules.
How do I open an account?
Complete online application, fund through rollover or contribution, then begin investing using our platform's integrated tools for traditional and alternative assets.
What investment options exist?
Includes real estate, private equity, cryptocurrency, precious metals, futures/forex, and traditional assets like stocks and mutual funds across multiple account types.
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