As an independent administrator, iPlan Group processes the investment transactions you direct them to do on behalf of your retirement account. Additionally, they provide account administration, record keeping and tax reporting for your Self-Directed IRA. iPlan Group is where self-directed investors prosper by building and managing their wealth more efficiently and more effectively than ever before.

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Process for setting up a new account:

The following steps occur when establishing a new account:

1. Prospective client is assigned to work with a member of our Business Development (BD) team
2. BD associate works with prospect to determine the type of account, funding option and fees
3. Prospective client then completes & submits the following documents: • New Account Application (Required) • Copy of Driver’s License (Required) • Account Transfer Form & Recent Statement from ContraFirm (Optional)
4. BD associate reviews documents to ensure our requirements are met, then turns documentation over to New Account team
5. An internal New Account Coordinator (NAC) is assigned to establish the account
6. NAC reviews documentation and establishes the account within their internal system
7. Account Number is sent to the new client via a Welcome Email

Process for adding a new asset to client account:

1. Client completes the applicable Investment Authorization Form and submits to iPlanGroup along with Supporting Documentation
2. iPlan Group assigns the investment to a member of their Investment team (an Investment Coordinator)
3. Investment Coordinator reviews the form & documentation and works with the client to resolve any possible deficiencies
4. Investment Coordinator funds the investment as requested on the Investment Authorization Form

Procedures in place to protect client information:

When establishing an account, each client is required to select a Personal Identification Number and a Security Question. This information is required before any account specific information is released in response to an inquiring client or a third party. iPlanGroup have a private policy that is given to all clients at the time of establishment as well as on an annual basis. Any original documentation that is housed at iPlan Group (ie: the New Account Application) is stored within a locked fire-proof safe. Additionally, they have several network and building security systems in place to ensure that their network, office and underlying information is protected. Lastly, they do not store credit card information on file so as to ensure that this information is protected.

Procedures for annual valuations:

As the individual retirement account administrator, they are required to obtain an annual asset valuation for each asset holding by January 15th of each year. They begin contacting clients and/or investment sponsors annually around November to request that their Fair Market Valuation Form be completed and submitted to them along with any applicable supporting documentation. Once received, this information is reviewed and the asset value is updated within their systems.

Procedures for when an investment is suspected to be or is found to be fraudulent:

iPlan Group does not provide tax, legal or investment advice as a self-directed IRA administrator. Each investment structure is unique, and the IRA owner has complete control over their investment selection. Therefore when an IRA owner is looking to make an investment decision, they require that he or she conducts their own diligence of the structure, including consulting with a qualified tax/legal attorney or financial professional.

Security and client information protection:

iPlan Group has several network and building security systems in place to ensure that their network, office and underlying information is protected.

• Jill Banner, CEO

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Glassdoor Ratings: (How company rates as an employer) (no profile available)

The Self Direct Your Retirement Transparency Index is a metric we have developed to indicate how transparent self-directed IRA custodians and administrators are about their company. We value transparency as an ideal trait from a company that is providing custody or administration of your retirement accounts. It shows that the company has nothing to hide about their activities. You should consider this when you are making your choice.

The Self Direct Your Retirement Transparency Index is split into two parts. The first part is whether they voluntarily provided this information to us or whether we had to find this data on our own. Companies that provided us with the data were given the "company certified seal". If they did not participate, the seal does not show up in their profile. The second part of the index is how transparent the companies were in providing us with this information. A higher transparency number indicates a more transparent company. A number above 80% is ideal. There may be legitimate reasons companies do not want to share certain information, but you should consider this when making your decision.

Below the seal, we have listed the last time the company provided us with information. As long as the company has the certified seal, the information should be considered up-to-date. We contact the company periodically to ensure the information is accurate. If the company chooses not to verify the information, then we remove the seal. Transparency is only one factor you should consider when choosing a self directed IRA custodian or administrator.

Visit the Self-Directed IRA custodian & administrator comparison page to see how iPlan Group compares to its peers.

We asked iPlan Group to provide their individual insight into the following questions. This section is a bit more personal. The idea is that it will give you more insight into the company you are considering to provide custody of your investments. 

Company's view of important of the following items (ranked in order of importance)

1. Legitimacy - Prevention of fraudulent investments and schemes
2. Transparency - Providing clients with transparent information
3. Visibility - Creating greater visibility about self-directed IRAs to investors
4. Coordination - Coordinating with other custodians, administrators, and professionals

iPlan Group has a high level of transparency. This is exactly what we look for in an administrator. Without this high level of transparency, we would not have access to the information we would need to make the best decision possible.

Looking for companies with this high level of transparency is only the first step in the process of finding a suitable self-directed IRA custodian or administrator. With this information, you can make a determination about whether iPlan Group is the best choice for your retirement investing needs. 

Please use our Self Directed IRA Custodian & Administrator Comparison Tool to help you assess whether iPlan Group is the right choice for you.

One of the biggest areas of frustration we see from self-directed IRA investors is when they realize they have chosen the wrong self-directed IRA custodian or administrator. It takes time to set up an account and fund your investment. The last thing you want to do when you are trying to fund your investment is to think about changing to a different custodian. Choose your Self-Directed IRA custodian or administrator wisely. If you put the time in now to find the right company, you will save time, money, and aggravation later. Read our Choosing a Self-Directed IRA Custodian report for more information.

Next Steps... Once you have located your ideal Self-Directed IRA Custodian or Administrator, you will be on your way to self-directing your retirement. If you decide that this process seems too complex and you need assistance or financial advice, feel free to contact us. Our firm specializes in providing financial advice pertaining to alternative investments held in self-directed IRAs and 401ks. We are fiduciaries and provide unbiased financial advice to our clients. Contact us if you want to learn more about our wealth management services.