How to Directly Rollover a 401(k) to a Self-Directed IRA

Did you leave a 401(k) with an old employer? Do you have a non-performing 401(k) that is sitting around gathering dust? If you answered yes to either of these questions, you might want to roll over your retirement funds to a Self-Directed IRA. 

Self-Directed IRAs

Self-directed retirement accounts, designed for both individuals and small business owners, are more attractive to experienced investors because they allow for alternative investments, such as real estate, gold, and private equity. The freedom to explore alternative assets, when combined with the many tax advantages associated with retirement accounts, is why self-direction is becoming more popular.

How to Rollover Your 401k to a Self-Directed IRA

There are two ways to roll your 401(k) over to a Self-Directed IRA; direct or indirect rollover. 

It may surprise you to learn that directly rolling over one retirement account into another account is pretty easy. In fact, you could switch to a Self-Directed IRA in just a few simple steps:

Complete the Rollover Form and Submit It to Entrust

Completing process via Entrust Client Portal:

Go to the Entrust Client Portal, to the “Transactions” tab and click on “Fund Account” on the left-hand side then select “Rollover.”

Fill out the online application and submit it.

Attach photocopy of a complete statement (no more than 6 months old) from your current custodian. It should contain the following:

• Client name (first and last)
• Custodian Information (Name, address, and phone number)
• Account number (current pension plan, 401(k) or IRA)
• Type of account (Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, SEP, SIMPLE, ESA or HSA)

Completing process via paperwork:

Download the Rollover Form

• Confirm that you have valid identification (ID) on file. If your account wasn't opened online, call our Client Services Department to confirm ID at 800-392-9653, and select option #1

• Include a complete statement (no older than 6 months) from your current custodian containing the following:
• •  Client's first and last name

• • Your custodian's name, address, and phone number
  • Account number (current pension plan, 401(k) or IRA)
  • Type of account (Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, SEP, SIMPLE ESA or HSA)
• Include a detailed list of all assets you are rolling over to Entrust, if any

• Submit the completed form along with required documents to Entrust
• Custodian/pension plan providers that require a letter of acceptance, send requests to: transfers@theentrustgroup.com  

Documentation that must be completed and/or signed by Entrust, send to:

Mail: The Entrust Group, 555 12^th Street, Suite 900, Oakland, CA 94607

Fax: Write “Attention Transfers” on cover page and fax to (510) 587-0960

Email (if approved by your current custodian): Transfers@TheEntrustGroup.com 

Contact Your Current Custodian

Once your rollover form is complete, contact your current custodian to withdraw funds from your account. Follow your current custodian’s withdrawal actions and adhere to the steps below for a Direct or Indirect Rollover to send your funds to Entrust. 

Direct:

Have your current custodian make the check payable to:

The Entrust Group, Inc. FBO [Client Name] Account # [Entrust Acct. Number]

Example: The Entrust Group, Inc. FBO John Smith Account #12345

Mail check(s) directly to The Entrust Group at:

The Entrust Group, 555 12^th Street, Suite 900, Oakland, CA 94607

You will receive a confirmation email after we receive the funds from your current custodian. If you don’t receive a confirmation email within 7-10 business days of reaching out, contact your current custodians for the status of your rollover. 

Indirect/60-day rollover:

After receiving the check from your custodian, endorse the back portion and send it to The Entrust Group at:

The Entrust Group, Inc. FBO [Client Name] Account # [Entrust Acct. Number]

Example: The Entrust Group, Inc. FBO John Smith Account #12345

You will receive a confirmation email after we receive your check and deposit it into your account. If you don’t receive a confirmation email within 7-10 business days of sending the check, please contact us for an update. 

Set up a complimentary consultation with one of our IRA specialists today if you have additional questions or require more information about the process.