TL;DR - Quick Answer
Gold IRAs must follow specific IRS rules: gold requires .995+ purity (American Eagles exempt at .9167), silver .999+, platinum/palladium .9995+. Metals must be stored at IRS-approved depositories—home storage is prohibited and triggers taxes/penalties. Contribution limits match traditional IRAs ($7,000/year, $8,000 if 50+), but rollovers from 401(k)s have no limit. You need a Self-Directed IRA custodian specializing in alternative assets. Distributions after 59½ can be taken as metal (in-kind) or cash; earlier withdrawals incur 10% penalty plus taxes. We only sell IRS-compliant products.
Purity Requirements
The IRS sets minimum purity standards for precious metals held in retirement accounts. These requirements ensure you're investing in actual bullion, not collectibles.
99.5% pure or higher
(American Eagles exempt at .9167)
99.9% pure or higher
99.95% pure or higher
99.95% pure or higher
Approved vs. Prohibited Products
IRS Approved
Gold Coins
- • American Gold Eagle (all sizes)
- • American Gold Buffalo
- • Canadian Gold Maple Leaf
- • Austrian Gold Philharmonic
- • Australian Gold Kangaroo
Gold Bars
- • COMEX/LBMA-approved refiners
- • PAMP Suisse, Credit Suisse
- • Valcambi, Perth Mint
- • Must meet .995+ purity
Silver Coins & Bars
- • American Silver Eagle
- • Canadian Silver Maple Leaf
- • Approved .999+ silver bars
NOT Approved
Collectible/Numismatic Coins
- • Pre-1933 U.S. gold coins
- • Proof sets (with some exceptions)
- • Commemorative coins
- • Rare or graded coins
Below Purity Standards
- • South African Krugerrand (.9167)
- • British Sovereign (.9167)
- • Most foreign gold coins
Other Prohibited Items
- • Jewelry
- • Gold ETFs or mining stocks
- • Certificates or paper gold
Storage Rules
Critical: Home Storage Is NOT Permitted
Despite what some promoters claim, storing IRA metals at home—even in a safe or "home storage IRA LLC"—violates IRS rules. The IRS considers this a taxable distribution, potentially triggering:
- • Income taxes on the full value of metals
- • 10% early withdrawal penalty if under age 59½
- • Potential audit and additional penalties
Required: IRS-Approved Depository Storage
Gold IRA metals must be stored at an IRS-approved depository—a secure, insured facility that meets federal requirements. Benefits include:
- • 24/7 armed security and surveillance
- • Full insurance coverage
- • Segregated or allocated storage options
- • Regular audits and reporting
- • IRS compliance documentation
Self-Directed IRA Custodian Requirements
You cannot hold physical precious metals in a standard IRA at a regular brokerage. You need a Self-Directed IRA with a custodian that allows alternative assets.
Custodian Responsibilities
- • Hold IRA assets on your behalf
- • Ensure IRS compliance
- • Process contributions and distributions
- • Provide required IRS reporting
- • Coordinate with depository for storage
What to Look For
- • IRS-approved status
- • Experience with precious metals IRAs
- • Transparent fee structure
- • Relationships with approved depositories
- • Responsive customer service
Contribution Limits
Gold IRAs follow the same contribution limits as traditional and Roth IRAs:
For 2024 tax year
Catch-up contribution
Rollovers Have No Limit
While annual contributions are capped, there is no limit on rollover amounts from existing retirement accounts (401(k), 403(b), TSP, other IRAs). You can roll over $100,000 or $1,000,000 tax-free through a direct trustee-to-trustee transfer.
Distribution Rules
After Age 59½
- No early withdrawal penalty
- Take distribution as cash or physical metal (in-kind)
- Traditional IRA: taxed as ordinary income
- Roth IRA: tax-free if qualified
Before Age 59½
- 10% early withdrawal penalty
- Plus ordinary income tax (Traditional)
- Limited exceptions (disability, first home, etc.)
Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs): Traditional Gold IRAs require distributions starting at age 73 (as of 2023 rules). You can take RMDs as cash or physical metal. Roth IRAs have no RMDs during the owner's lifetime.
Questions About Gold IRA Rules?
We help you understand the regulations and process requirements. Every product we sell meets IRS requirements.