Why am I unable trade MLPs in my IRA?

Yes, ETFs can be purchased and held in an IRA account.

However, if the ETF is organized as a partnership with unrelated business taxable income then it is not allowed. See: Why am I unable trade MLPs in my IRA?…

If you hold shares or units in a publicly traded partnership such as a master limited partnership or a royalty trust, you will receive Schedule K-1 directly from the general partner or trust.

The K-1 reports your pro rata share of the partnership’s taxable income, gain, loss and deductions. This information is required to be reported on a Schedule K-1 by the partnership. Any income or expense, as well as distribution, from the partnership will adjust the cost basis of your holding…

If you hold shares or units in a publicly traded partnership such as a master limited partnership or a royalty trust, you will receive a Schedule K-1 directly from the general partner or trust.

The K-1 reports your pro rata share of the partnership’s taxable income, gain, loss and deductions. This information is required to be reported on a Schedule K-1 by the partnership. Any income or expense, as well as distribution, from the partnership will adjust the cost basis of your holding…

PORTFOLIO ANALYST

The Retirement Planner is a tool within PortfolioAnalyst that may be used to get a better understanding of your Retirement Outlook. The tool takes into consideration your personal retirement preferences, current and future employment expectations, any potential additional monthly retirement income sources, your current monthly expenses, and general market performance assumptions. Based on this information and the accounts you have chosen to include, the Retirement Planner will generate your Retirement Outlook to help you plan for your future…