💰 Bitcoin IRA Decision Tool
Use this step-by-step tool to decide if a Bitcoin IRA fits your situation, what type you need, and what you should do next. Answer the questions honestly to get a personalized action plan.
How This Tool Works
✓ 9 steps covering your situation, goals, funding, allocation, and security preferences
✓ Each answer shapes your personalized recommendation
✓ At the end: clear next actions and provider comparison (if applicable)
✓ Takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete
Step 0 of 9
1
Initial Qualification
Let's see if a Bitcoin IRA makes sense for you
Are you a United States taxpayer?
✓ Yes
I file US taxes and am subject to IRS rules
✗ No
I am not a US taxpayer
Is this money meant for retirement rather than short-term spending?
✓ Yes, for retirement
I won't need this money for many years
✗ No, might need it sooner
I may need access within a few years
How many years until you think you will need this money?
Less than 5 years
Short-term horizon
Between 5 and 15 years
Medium-term horizon
More than 15 years
Long-term horizon
How do you feel about price drops in Bitcoin?
😰 I panic easily
Large price drops make me very uncomfortable
😬 I feel nervous but can stay calm
It's uncomfortable but I can handle it
😎 I can handle big swings without reacting
Volatility doesn't bother me
Why are you interested in a Bitcoin IRA instead of buying Bitcoin directly in self-custody? (Select all that apply)
2
Clarify Your Goals
Define what you want Bitcoin to do in your retirement plan
What role(s) do you want Bitcoin to play in your retirement plan? (Select all that apply)
What matters more to you?
Protect current cash flow with tax deduction now
Traditional IRA approach - lower taxes today
Maximize tax-free withdrawals in the future
Roth IRA approach - tax-free growth and withdrawals
If Bitcoin dropped fifty percent next year, how would you react?
😱 I would sell
I'd want to cut losses
⏳ I would wait
Hold and hope for recovery
🎯 I would likely buy more
View it as an opportunity
3
Traditional vs Roth
Choose the account type that matches your tax situation
Quick Reminder
- Traditional: You may get a tax break now, you pay tax when you withdraw in retirement
- Roth: You pay tax now, qualified withdrawals after retirement can be tax-free
Is your current income tax rate likely lower or higher than what you expect in retirement?
Lower now
I'm in a relatively low tax bracket currently
Higher now
I'm in a high tax bracket currently
No idea
Hard to predict future tax rates
Can you afford to pay taxes now in order to have tax-free Bitcoin withdrawals later?
✓ Yes
I can handle the tax burden now for future benefit
✗ No
I need the tax deduction now
Do you already have Roth accounts?
✓ Yes
I have existing Roth IRA or Roth 401(k)
✗ No
This would be my first Roth account
Are you close to Roth income limits this year?
What this means: If you earn too much money, the IRS won't let you contribute directly to a Roth IRA. For 2025, these limits begin at $161,000 for single filers or $240,000 for married couples filing jointly. If your income is near or above these amounts, you may need alternative strategies like a "backdoor Roth" conversion.
💡 Not sure? Check your most recent tax return for your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) or select "Not sure" below.
Yes, close to limits
My income is near or above Roth limits
No, well below limits
I'm comfortably under the income limits
Not sure
Need to check my income level
4
Funding Strategy
Decide how you will fund your Bitcoin IRA
Do you have any of these right now? (Select all that apply)
Do you want to:
Move some of an old account into Bitcoin
Rollover existing retirement funds
Only add new yearly contributions
Start fresh with new money
Do both
Rollover plus ongoing contributions
Roughly how much are you thinking of putting into Bitcoin through retirement accounts in the next year?
Enter amount in USD (e.g., 10000 for $10,000)
What percent of your total retirement savings would that be?
Rough estimate is fine
Less than 5%
Small allocation
5-10%
Moderate allocation
10-25%
Significant allocation
More than 25%
Major allocation
5
Allocation & Risk Guardrails
Set your target Bitcoin allocation
What is your total retirement balance across all accounts today?
Approximate total in USD
Maximum percent of that amount you feel comfortable holding in Bitcoin
Under 5%
Very conservative approach
Between 5 and 10%
Moderate approach
Between 10 and 20%
Aggressive approach
More than 20%
Very aggressive approach
How would you feel if your Bitcoin part dropped by half while stocks stayed flat?
😰 I would change my plan
Would need to reduce or exit position
😬 I would feel bad but stay with the plan
Uncomfortable but committed
😎 I would see it as a chance to add more
View drops as opportunities
Do you want to add Bitcoin slowly over time or in one larger move?
📅 Monthly plan
Dollar-cost averaging over time
💰 One-time lump sum
Single allocation
🔄 Mix of both
Initial amount plus ongoing contributions
6
Security & Custody Preferences
Define your security requirements
Important Note
In a Bitcoin IRA, you do not hold the keys yourself. A regulated custodian must hold them on behalf of the account. Security still matters a lot.
Are you comfortable with professional custody that uses cold storage and multi-sig controls instead of your own hardware wallet?
✓ Yes, comfortable
I trust regulated custodians with proper security
✗ No, not comfortable
I strongly prefer self-custody
🤔 Unsure, want a call
Need more information to decide
Which of these security features do you see as non-negotiable? (Select all that apply)
How important is clear reporting for tax and compliance?
Very important
Need detailed, clear records
Somewhat important
Basic reporting is fine
Not important
I'll handle my own records
Do you prefer a provider who focuses only on Bitcoin or one that holds many coins?
Bitcoin-only
Specialized Bitcoin focus
Multi-crypto
Flexibility to diversify into other assets
Either is fine
No strong preference
7
Understanding Provider Fees
Learn what to look for in providers
When comparing providers, which factors matter most to you? (Rank or select top 3)
Are you willing to pay higher fees for better security and insurance?
✓ Yes
Security is worth the premium
✗ No
I want the lowest fees possible
⚖️ Need balance
Want reasonable fees with solid security
8
Withdrawal Rules & Risks
Understand the constraints and penalties
How old are you now?
This determines your withdrawal timeline
Do you expect to touch this Bitcoin IRA before age 59½?
Yes, likely
I may need to access funds early
No, won't touch it
Can wait until retirement age
Maybe / Unsure
Life circumstances may change
If you had a sudden need for cash, what backup options would you consider? (Select all that apply)
⚠️ Important Penalties to Understand
Early Withdrawal (before 59½): 10% penalty + income taxes
Traditional IRA RMDs: Required minimum distributions start at age 73
Roth IRA: Contributions can be withdrawn tax/penalty-free anytime, but earnings have rules
9
Final Reflection
Confirm your decision before seeing recommendations
After going through these questions, do you still want to move ahead with a Bitcoin IRA?
✓ Yes, I'm ready to proceed
Show me my personalized plan
⏸️ I'll pause and learn more
Need more education first
✗ No, not for me right now
Will explore other options