Including Precious Metals in Your IRA
Planning for retirement can be especially complex during times of economic instability and unpredictable markets. While most retirement accounts are built on a mix of stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, many individuals choose to add precious metals such as gold and silver to their portfolios. These assets can provide a hedge against inflation and financial uncertainty.
Why Do Investors Add Precious Metals to Their Portfolios?
Precious metals, particularly gold, offer diversification, liquidity, and freedom from credit risk—qualities that make them appealing during market turbulence. Because their value often moves independently of the stock market, gold and other metals serve as alternative assets that help reduce exposure to traditional market volatility.
Is It Possible to Hold Physical Gold in an IRA?
Yes. Retirement accounts can include physical precious metals, such as gold coins and bullion bars, as well as silver, platinum, and palladium—so long as they meet certain purity standards.
What Are the Purity Standards for IRA-Approved Metals?
To qualify for inclusion in a retirement account, metals must meet these minimum fineness requirements:
- Gold: .995 or higher
- Silver: .999 or higher
- Platinum: .9995 or higher
- Palladium: .9995 or higher
Can I Store IRA-Owned Metals at Home?
No. IRS rules do not permit storing IRA-held metals at your residence or in a personal safe. Instead, they must be housed in an IRS-approved depository through a qualified custodian. These facilities typically offer either segregated storage (where your metals are stored separately under your name) or non-segregated storage. Your metals dealer can help you choose among the approved storage options.
How Do I Start the Precious Metals IRA Rollover Process?
Rolling over retirement account funds into a Gold IRA involves specific IRS rules. Harvard Gold Group can guide you and get answers at every step. Call us at (844) 977-GOLD (4653) for personal assistance.
Step 1: Opening a Self-Directed Inherited Gold/Silver IRA
- Consult Our Non-Commissioned Team
Harvard Gold Group does not employ commissioned or bonused salespeople. Our focus is compliance, client education, and guidance tailored to your situation. - We Handle the Paperwork
We’ll assist you in completing the correct paperwork to establish an inherited IRA structure in compliance with IRS requirements. - Custodian Coordination
Every Gold IRA must be held with an IRS-approved custodian. We partner with top custodians and help facilitate your account setup quickly and efficiently— saving you hours of waiting on hold or navigating confusing online portals. - Direct Rollover / Trustee-to-Trustee Transfer
We work directly with your current plan provider (including TSP, 401(k), etc.) to ensure a seamless, tax-free transfer.
⚠️ Already Taken Possession of Funds?
If you’ve already received the funds, your 60-day rollover window has started. Contact us immediately to avoid costly tax penalties.
Step 2: Choose Your IRA Precious Metals
- Your HGG IRA Specialist Will Provide a Metals Overview – This will help you understand the difference between gold and silver so you can decide if you want all gold, all silver, or a combination of both. Additionally, there are many IRS approved bullion bars and coins you can choose from to place within your IRA. Your specialist will help you understand the differences so you can decide what you want based on your goals and objectives.
- Compliance with IRS Regulations: HGG only buys and sells metals that meet the IRS rules which apply to the types of precious metals that can be held in an inherited Gold IRA (gold, silver, platinum, palladium bars and coins meeting specific purity standards).
Step 3: Choose a Secure IRS Approved Depository for Your Precious Metals Storage
- Choosing an IRS Approved Depository: HGG knows all IRS-approved IRA depositories. Whether you prefer a facility not affiliated with the government or a bank— or simply the one located closest to your home, we help match your preferences to the best option.
- Compliance with IRS Regulations: HGG only buys and sells metals that meet the IRS rules which apply to the types of precious metals that can be held in an inherited Gold IRA (gold, silver, platinum, palladium bars and coins meeting specific purity standards).
What Are My Options for Withdrawing or Liquidating Precious Metals?
Taking direct possession of precious metals from your IRA is treated as a distribution by the IRS. This means the value may be subject to taxes, and if you’re under 59½, early withdrawal penalties may apply.
You also have the option to liquidate metals by selling them back to a dealer. The proceeds can either stay in your IRA to maintain tax-deferred status or be withdrawn (potentially triggering taxes or penalties unless rolled over).
What Types of Precious Metals Can Be Purchased in an IRA?
Your IRA can hold U.S. government-issued coins such as American Gold Eagles and American Silver Eagles in denominations of 1 oz, ½ oz, ¼ oz, and 1/10 oz. It may also include approved bullion and select platinum and palladium coins, as outlined in IRS Publication 590.
Can I Have More Than One IRA?
Yes. You’re allowed to maintain multiple IRAs, though your total annual contributions across all accounts cannot exceed the IRS limit.
Can I Move Funds from an Existing IRA or 401(k) Without Penalties?
Yes. You can fund a new IRA with a full or partial transfer from an existing IRA or 401(k) without triggering taxes, as long as the transfer follows IRS guidelines. Equity Trust or your custodian will oversee the transfer process.
Who Is Eligible to Open a Traditional IRA?
Anyone with earned income may open a Traditional IRA, including one that holds physical precious metals.
Are There Penalties for Rolling Over My IRA or 401(k)?
No. When done in compliance with IRS rules, rolling over your retirement account is a tax-free process with no penalties or fees. Funds must be deposited into the new IRA within 60 days to avoid tax consequences.
How Can I Take Distributions?
Distributions from a precious metals IRA can be received either in the form of the physical metals you own (gold, silver, platinum, or palladium), or you may choose to sell the metals and receive the cash equivalent.
When Can I Start Taking Distributions Without Penalty?
Once you reach the age of 59½, you are eligible to begin receiving penalty-free distributions from your IRA.
What Are the Benefits of a Precious Metals IRA?
A precious metals IRA provides a safeguard against inflation and helps diversify your retirement savings. Gold and silver, for example, tend to rise when other market cycles go down, offering a reliable way to protect your wealth during economic downturns.
