precious metals
Invest in gold and precious metals through your self-directed IRA
Leverage the stability of tangible assets like gold, silver, platinum, and palladium to enhance your retirement portfolio.
Benefits of investing in precious metals within an IRA
Investing in precious metals through a self-directed IRA (SDIRA) offers diversification beyond traditional assets, serving as a hedge against inflation and economic downturns. These tangible assets can provide stability and potential growth for your retirement savings.
Key compliance factors to understand:
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Diversification: Incorporating assets like gold and silver can reduce reliance on stocks and bonds.
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Inflation hedge: Precious metals often maintain value during inflationary periods.
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Tax advantages: Gains grow tax-deferred or tax-free, depending on your IRA type.
Types of precious metals allowed in IRAs
The IRS permits specific precious metals in IRAs, provided they meet certain purity standards.
Gold
Acceptable products: American Eagle bullion and proof coins, American Buffalo coins, Australian Kangaroo or Nugget coins, Austrian Philharmonic coins, and more.
Purity requirement: Minimum 99.5% pure.
Learn more
Silver
Acceptable products: American Eagle bullion and proof coins, America the Beautiful coins, Australian Kookaburra coins, Austrian Philharmonic coins, and more.
Purity requirement: Minimum 99.9% pure.
Learn more
Platinum
Acceptable products: American Eagle bullion and proof coins, Australian Koala coins, Canadian Maple Leaf coins, Isle of Man Noble coins, and more.
Purity requirement: Minimum 99.95% pure.
Learn more
Palladium
Acceptable products: Canadian Maple Leaf bullion coins and more.
Purity requirement: Minimum 99.95% pure.
Learn more
Precious metals storage
In compliance with IRS rules, precious metals owned in an IRA may not be held by the IRA owner. When providing your investment direction to STRATA Trust Company for the purchase of precious metals, you will be required to select a third-party depository location for the physical storage of your IRA-owned precious metals. STRATA works with Delaware Depository and Texas Precious Metals Depository (TPMD). Depositories are responsible for conducting annual audits, incorporating quality control methods, carrying insurance, and conducting authentication testing.
| Feature | Delaware Depository | TPMD |
|---|---|---|
|
Commingled Storage
Your metals are stored with others but tracked to your IRA. |
Delaware Depository: Yes | TPMD: No |
|
Segregated Storage
Your metals are stored separately under your IRA account. |
Delaware Depository: Yes (except silver) | TPMD: Yes |
| Locations | Delaware Depository: Wilmington, DE & Boulder City, NV | TPMD: Shiner, TX |
| Website | Delaware Depository: DelawareDepository.com | TPMD: TexasDepository.com |
| Withdrawal FAQs | Delaware Depository: Learn more | TPMD: Learn more |
Once the metals make it to the depository of your choice, STRATA will be notified and we will update your account information to include the depository location. Your annual storage fee will be billed to you by STRATA in conjunction with your STRATA annual IRA fee.
Important considerations and IRS regulations
Adhering to IRS guidelines is crucial to maintain the tax-advantaged status of your IRA.
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Prohibited transactions
You and other disqualified persons (e.g., family members) cannot personally possess or benefit from the metals.
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Required minimum distributions (RMDs)
Starting at age 73, RMDs apply to traditional IRAs. Distributions can be in cash (from selling metals) or in-kind (physical metals).
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Valuation reporting
Annual fair market valuations of your metals are required for accurate IRS reporting.
What you should know before you buy precious metals
STRATA's role
STRATA facilitates the purchase and storage process but does not select or endorse specific dealers, metals, or pricing.
Due diligence
You are responsible for researching the dealer, verifying product eligibility, and confirming that metals meet IRS standards.
Purchase price
Prices can vary between dealers. STRATA does not determine pricing, and metals must be paid for in full at the time of purchase.
Valuations
In your quarterly statement, STRATA reflects spot value as the value for precious metals. Spot value is the current spot price multiplied by the ounces of fine metal contained in the coin or bar.
Steps to invest in precious metals with your SDIRA
For a detailed guide, download STRATA's Precious Metals Investment Checklist.
Step
Open and fund your SDIRA
- Start your application online.
- Fund our account via transfer, rollover, or contribution.
Step
Choose a reputable precious metals dealer
Negotiate the purchase, sale, or exchange of any precious metals through the dealer of your choice.
Step
Direct your SDIRA
Provide STRATA with the Investment Direction & Disclosures Precious Metals form, along with the dealer invoice and agreement.
Get the support you need
Get our comprehensive precious metals investing checklist and learn about opening your account and managing your self-directed IRA investments.
We're here to help you get started
Stay compliant and make the most of your self-directed IRA. Our team is ready to guide you through the process and answer your questions.
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