How Does a Gold IRA Work?

A Gold IRA combines ordinary IRA tax rules with a self-directed custodian/trustee and qualifying physical precious metals.

The four moving parts

• IRA owner: decides whether the investment fits the retirement plan.
• Custodian or trustee: administers the IRA and carries out authorized transactions.
• Dealer: sells the metal to the IRA.
• Depository/storage provider: physically stores qualifying bullion under the required arrangement.

Funding the account

Funding can come from contributions, eligible rollovers or trustee-to-trustee transfers. Each method has rules and possible tax consequences.

Read the rollover guide before moving existing retirement money.