Gold can provide a secure haven in times of uncertainty, yet before investing any precious metals it’s essential to conduct thorough research first.
When opening an IRA, there are a few essential details you should keep in mind, including finding a reliable dealer and selecting an IRS-approved custodian.
Self-directed IRAs
Investment in precious metals through a self-directed IRA is an attractive way to diversify your retirement portfolio, yet there are certain risks you should keep in mind. Precious metals are vulnerable to theft, so be sure they’re stored safely. Furthermore, should gold prices decline dramatically, this could adversely impact other investments you hold.
Prior to investing in precious metals, it’s important to know that the IRS imposes restrictions on what types of physical metal can be held within an IRA. For instance, eligible coins must be produced by an accredited refiner/assayer/manufacturer with specific purity guidelines such as minimum fineness of.9167 and come from national governments or authorized foreign mints minted through official minting processes. Furthermore, several custodians offer this service; one such custodian is New Direction Trust Company which specializes in helping investors acquire precious metals investments.
Custodians
When investing in precious metals for an IRA, it’s essential that you work with a reputable broker or custodian. Make sure the company you select has an excellent track record and transparent fees structures; typically these may include account maintenance, storage and insurance charges as well as dealer markup charges on any gold or silver you purchase.
Be mindful of IRS rules regarding precious metals as you invest for retirement accounts, especially regarding coins and bullion that meet certain purity standards, such as 24-karat U.S. Gold Eagle coins or 1-ounce gold bars; sterling silverware does not qualify.
If you need assistance setting up and administering your gold IRA, Oxford Gold Group or Augusta Precious Metals have an outstanding track record and can assist with setting up an account, buying metals and safely storing them over time – they also take care of any necessary paperwork or reporting needs.
Dealers
Traditional and self-directed IRAs both offer investors access to an array of securities, while self-directed IRAs can also be used to purchase physical precious metals. When investing in this asset class, however, some considerations must be taken. The IRS restricts purchases with an IRA account to bullion coins or bars of certain fineness and purity levels; additionally it is important to understand the price volatility of gold as well as how to safeguard your investments against its price fluctuation.
Moy stresses the importance of working with a precious metals dealer that is registered with the IRS and has an impeccable track record, as well as one who offers transparent fees and charges, such as account setup/maintenance/storage/insurance costs as well as any markup charges which vary by vendor – this may either be one-off charges or ongoing payments; also important is finding one with a clear return policy and multiple methods of buying gold.
Taxes
A precious metals IRA is a self-directed traditional, ROTH, SEP, SIMPLE or Inherited IRA that invests in gold, silver, platinum or palladium bullion that meets IRA guidelines. This investment enables you to diversify your portfolio while saving on taxes at the same time.
Start by finding an IRA custodian who accepts physical bullion. Select a trustworthy dealer with experience in the industry; using a precious metals IRA company may save time, energy and headaches by handling all paperwork for you and helping to purchase physical gold and silver approved for an IRA account.
Make sure that you select a dealer who belongs to an established trade association such as the American Numismatic Association, Industry Council for Tangible Assets or Professional Numismatists Guild and offers competitive pricing. Also make sure that the bullion you purchase is stored with a depository that offers full accounting services so as to protect it against creditors or lawsuits.
