How do I contribute new funds to my account?

A contribution is a deposit of new funds into your Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA). Contributions increase the cash balance of your IRA account, allowing you to add new money that can later be used for investments or other account activities. It’s important to note that a contribution is different from a return of investment or dividend income, which are generated from the investments already held within your account.

If you would like to make a contribution to your IRA, follow these simple steps depending on your preferred method of funding.

General Instructions:

1. Log in to the Online Portal
   Start by logging into your SDIRA account through the online portal.

2. Click the Move Money Button
   Once logged in, go to your Dashboard and click on the Move Money button.

3. Choose Contribution
   Select Contribution as the request type

4. Choose Your Preferred Funding Method
   You have several options for funding your IRA:

Funding Methods:

Incoming ACH Transfer (Simple Bank Transfer)

1. Navigate to your Dashboard and click on Move Money, then select Contribution.
2. Under Type of Transfer, select ACH.
3. Choose an already linked bank account or link a new one by entering your bank details.
4. Enter the amount you wish to contribute using only numbers and a decimal.
5. Select Review to check your transaction details.
6. Review your information. Note: ACH transactions cannot be canceled once submitted.
7. Click Transfer to complete the transaction.
   Your funds will be on their way to your IRA!

Incoming Wire Transfer

1. Go to your Dashboard and click on Move Money, then select Contribution.
2. Under Type of Transfer, select Wire.
3. Provide the wire transfer details displayed on the page to your bank or financial institution.
4. Upload a completed Contribution Form to your Documents tab (make sure to select Contribution Form as the document type).
5. Your provider can now initiate the wire deposit, and you will see the funds once the transfer is completed.

Incoming Paper Check

1. Go to your Dashboard and click on Move Money, then select Contribution.
2. Under Type of Transfer, select Check.
3. Use the provided information to send a Paper Check by mail to AET.
4. Upload a completed Contribution Form to your Documents tab, or mail the form along with the check. Once the check is received, the funds will be deposited into your IRA.

Important Notes:

• Contribution Form: Contributions made via check or wire must include a completed Contribution Form. The form should include the contribution year and amount, and it must be signed and dated.
• Uploading the Form: You can upload the Contribution Form directly to the Documents tab in your online portal. Alternatively, you can mail the original form along with your check or wire transfer details. Contributions will not be processed until the form is received.
• Processing Time: The processing time may vary based on the funding method. ACH transfers are typically quicker, while wire transfers and checks may take additional time for processing.

What’s the Difference Between Contributions and Other Deposits?

It’s important to distinguish a contribution from other types of deposits into your IRA. Contributions refer to new funds that you deposit into the account, increasing the cash balance of your IRA, while returns from investments or dividend income are separate transactions that are generated by the assets already held in your IRA. These other types of deposits do not require the same steps as contributions.

If you have any questions or need assistance with submitting a contribution, our team is always available to help. Just reach out to us, and we'll guide you through the process.