Gold IRA Guide

A Gold IRA (Individual Retirement Account) allows you to hold physical gold and other precious metals in a tax-advantaged retirement account.

A Self-Directed IRA is required to hold physical gold. Unlike traditional IRAs managed by banks or brokerages, a self-directed IRA gives you control over alternative investments including precious metals.

IRS-approved gold must be at least 99.5% pure (0.995 fineness). Accepted coins include American Gold Eagles, American Gold Buffalos, Canadian Gold Maple Leafs, and Australian Gold Kangaroos. Gold bars must be produced by an approved refiner.

A custodian is required to manage your Gold IRA. The custodian handles paperwork, reporting, and ensures IRS compliance. They also arrange for an approved depository to store your metals.

You can fund a Gold IRA through a rollover from an existing 401(k), traditional IRA, or other qualified retirement plan. This is typically a tax-free transfer when done correctly.

Contribution limits for Gold IRAs follow standard IRA limits. Be aware of fees including setup fees, annual custodian fees, and storage fees which vary by provider.