IRA, Self directed IRA, distribution. Oops

[Denise Holder]

Hi, I've gotten myself into a big pickle by taking a distribution out of my IRA believing that if I transferred the money from my traditional IRA to my Self Directed that I could spend it on Real Estate penalty free, and (some) taxes free. (I'm only 53, not 59.5).

I'm renovating a cabin in the woods for short term rental. Under the verbal approval of my SDIRA advisor I dove into the project without really asking many questions. I transferred $30k from my traditional IRA over to my SDIRA. I believed that once it was in the SD that I could have that money transferred to my checking account out of which I'd pay my contractor. Not so.

The money is now in my SDIRA, separate account than the $100k I have invested in an apartment complex.  

Is there any way at all for me to get that $30k without paying penalty and/or tax ?

Thank you so much,

Denise

[Jeffrey Dixon]

You cannot take a distribution without paying taxes and a penalty. Also, the IRA funds cannot be used for real estate, or any asset, you own personally. You could use the money to buy a new piece of real estate, not previously owned by you or a prohibited party to you.