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FAQ IRA

FAQ - Gold IRA

What is a Gold IRA?

A gold IRA is a self-directed individual retirement account (IRA) that allows you to invest in physical gold. Other precious metals, such as silver, platinum, and palladium, are also allowed in self-directed IRAs. It offers the same tax benefits as a traditional IRA but gives you more control over your investment portfolio by allowing diversification into tangible assets.

Why should I invest in a Gold IRA?

Gold IRAs provide an opportunity to hedge against inflation, market volatility, and economic uncertainty. Precious metals, like gold, have historically maintained their value over time, making them a stable investment, particularly during periods of financial turmoil or when traditional assets, such as stocks, underperform.

How does a Gold IRA work?

A Gold IRA works much like a traditional IRA or Roth IRA; however, rather than assets in paper format, like stocks and bonds, your investment is in physical precious metals. You open a self-directed IRA, fund it through contributions or rollovers from other retirement accounts, and purchase approved precious metals from a reputable and trusted provider that are then transferred and stored in an IRA-approved depository.

What types of precious metals can I put into my IRA?

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) permits investment accounts funded with gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. However, not all forms of these metals are allowed. Gold must be at least 91.67 percent pure (American Gold Eagle coins), and silver must be 99.9 percent pure (American Silver Eagle coins). In addition to American gold and silver eagle coins, Canadian Maple Leaf gold and silver coins are also examples of IRS-approved metals.

Are there any tax benefits with a Gold IRA?

Yes, a Gold IRA offers the same tax benefits as a traditional IRA or Roth IRA but its value is backed by gold, not the intangible value of a stock price. Just like other IRAs, a Gold IRA offers tax-deferred contributions, which means you won’t pay taxes on the funds invested until you withdraw them in retirement. With a Roth Gold IRA, your contributions are made with after-tax dollars, meaning your withdrawals are tax-free.

How do I set up a Gold IRA?

There are three quick and easy steps to establishing a Gold IRA and we can assist you with this. Call a representative at 800.248.2223:
1. Open a self-directed IRA with a custodian who specializes in Gold IRAs (typically, we recommend Equity Trust Company and have worked with them for decades).
2. Fund the account through transfers, rollovers, or direct contributions.
3. Purchase IRS-approved precious metals through your custodian and ensure they are stored in an approved depository (we recommend International Depository Services [IDS], with offices in Dallas, Delaware and Canada).

Can I take physical possession of the gold in my IRA?

No, you cannot take physical possession of your gold while it is in your IRA. The gold must stored in an IRS-approved depository to maintain the tax-advantaged status of the IRA. If you withdraw the physical gold, it will be considered a distribution and may be subject to taxes and penalties, depending on your age.

Are there any fees associated with a Gold IRA?

Yes, but talk to your representative about how we can help cover the first years of any fees you might have for setting up a qualifying Gold IRA through Universal Coin & Bullion. These fees may include:
• Setup fees for opening your account
• Custodian fees for managing the Gold IRA
• Annual storage fees for holding your precious metals in an approved depository
• Transaction fees during the purchase or sale of precious metals
It is important to discuss these fees with your Universal Coin & Bullion account representative to find out how you can qualify for free assistance from our company.

Can I roll over my existing retirement account into a Gold IRA?

Absolutely! Many investors roll over funds from their existing IRA, 401(k), 403(b), or existing retirement account into a Gold IRA. This is usually done without incurring any taxes or penalties. Your account representative can guide you on exactly how and when you need to do this.

Is a Gold IRA right for me?

A Gold IRA is an excellent investment option if you’re looking to diversify your retirement portfolio and protect it against economic downturns. Gold has stood the test of time for investors for thousands of years. However, like any investment, there are risks. If you have any questions or concerns, we advise you to speak with a professional financial advisor to determine how a Gold IRA aligns with your investment goals.

What happens to my Gold IRA if the value of gold drops?

Gold, like any other asset, is subject to price fluctuations. If gold’s value declines, the value of your precious metals IRA may also decrease. However, many investors choose gold for its long-term stability as a protection against inflation, viewing short-term price fluctuations as part of the overall investment landscape.

Are my metals insured while they are stored at the depository?

Yes, your precious metals are held in a high-security depository and insured by the depository against physical loss, damage, or theft.

How do I liquidate my Gold IRA?

Liquidating a Gold IRA is simple. You simply call your account representative to begin the process of selling your precious metals through your custodian, then withdraw the proceeds. Alternatively, you can take an “in-kind” distribution, which allows you to have your gold or other precious metals shipped directly to you. There may be tax implications, so you will want to discuss these options with your professional tax advisor.