How to Invest in Gold and Silver in an IRA

How to Invest in Gold and Silver in an IRA

Most financial professionals across the globe agree that asset diversification can be a key to success. A self-directed IRA can buy gold and silver coins or bars as long as the purchased metals meet the IRS requirements. Some benefits of holding gold and silver in an IRA are…

  • Gold and silver are tangible assets
  • They allow for a truly diversified portfolio
  • They can provide a hedge against equity fluctuations and inflation
  • Asset growth and profits are tax-deferred

As a premier self-directed IRA custodian, Equity Trust is equipped to handle all the unique requirements involved with holding gold in your retirement plan. We work with reputable depositories to arrange depository account setup, facilitate valuations for IRS reporting, and provide account administration. Midland simplifies the process into 4 easy steps:

Step 1: Simultaneously open your Equity Trust and depository accounts

The IRS specifically states that gold and silver in an IRA must be in the physical possession of a trustee or depository. You cannot have physical possession of the metals at your home or in a safety deposit box at your local bank. Equity Trust has established relationships with reputable depositories to help satisfy this requirement. Please contact us and we can provide information so you can choose what works best for you.

Step 2: Fund your Equity Trust account

Once your account is open, Equity Trust will help you fund your account, whether it is by transfer, rollover, or contribution.

Step 3: Determine what you'd like to buy.

You will want to choose a reputable metals dealer to work with. You will send us an invoice listing the metals to be purchased.

The most common gold and silver coins purchased are the American Eagle and Canadian Maple Leaf coins. Bars and rounds manufactured by an NYMEX or COMEX-approved refiner/assayer or national government mint and meeting minimum fineness requirements are also common.

Most depositories have an in-house metals dealer, which can help reduce shipping times and costs. Should you opt to work with a third-party dealer, do your due diligence to ensure you are working with a reputable company that is familiar with IRS rules.

Metals currently allowed by Equity Trust (we will not accept numismatic coins or proof coins):

  • Bars
  • American Eagles
  • American Buffalos
  • Canadian Maple Leafs
  • Chinese Panda
  • Austrian Philharmonic
  • Australian Kangaroo/Nugget

Step 4: Authorize Equity Trust to pay the invoice for the metals by electronically completing a Purchase Authorization Form

A dedicated client service specialist will assist you throughout the entire process, from funding the IRA to confirming the deposit of the gold into your Depository account. 

This video walks you through what is needed to open an account with Equity Trust to get started.

 

For more information visit www.midlandtrust.com/individual-investors/gold-silver/ or call one of our representatives today at 239-333-1032.

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