How Do Gold IRA Plans Work?

• Gold investments can be owned either personally or through an IRA or 401(k) plan.
• Unlike traditional IRAs, gold IRAs are self-directed.
• A gold IRA account is structured similarly to a traditional IRA.
• The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) classifies gold and other precious metals as collectibles, rather than as securities.

A gold Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is a type of retirement account that invests in physical gold and other precious metals. Gold IRA plans differ from traditional IRAs in that they are typically self-directed, meaning the investor maintains control over the investment.

Traditional IRAs

Any U.S. citizen or permanent resident who earns an income or has earned income from an employer can open a traditional IRA. Contributions are tax-deductible, and earnings grow tax-free until withdrawn.
An IRA is a collection of different investment accounts. A rollover is a transfer of funds from one traditional IRA to another. A custodian manages assets, maintains records, and submits required tax returns.

A custodian holds assets in an IRA, while a trust company holds assets in an IRA trust. A custodian can be a bank, mutual fund company, brokerage firm, or insurance company.
A trustee manages the assets in a traditional IRA trust. The trustee can be a bank, brokerage firm, or trust company.

All assets must be held by a trustee or custodian, and the trustee or custodian must be a bank, brokerage firm, or insurance company.
Roth IRAs
A Roth IRA is a type of IRA, but the income limits for contributions are higher. Contributions are tax-free, and earnings grow tax-free.

A Roth IRA is a type of IRA, but the income limits for contributions are higher. Contributions are tax-free, and earnings grow tax-free.

In 2019, a person's modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) cannot exceed $137,000, and the maximum contribution is $6,000.

In 2020, a person's MAGI cannot exceed $137,000, or $203,000 for married couples. The maximum contribution is $6,000.

A person's MAGI cannot exceed $203,000 for married couples, and the maximum contribution is $6,000.

Roth IRAs

A gold IRA is just like a Roth IRA. You contribute money you can later withdraw, free of taxes, provided you follow the rules.
Traditional IRAs
A traditional IRA is a type of IRA where you contribute money in a particular tax year, and then you get taxed on it.

Both types of IRAs allow you to invest your money in different types of assets, including gold.

Gold Savings Plans

Gold savings accounts are a great way to invest in gold. These accounts are much like traditional savings accounts at a bank, but gold savings accounts generally pay higher interest rates.
Gold IRAs
Gold IRAs are gold plans offered through a custodian. Gold IRAs allow you to buy and store gold in an IRA account.
Gold Mutual Funds
Gold mutual funds invest in a portfolio of gold stocks or bullions.
Gold ETFs
Gold Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) are traded like stocks. ETFs are a convenient way to invest in gold.

Gold Exchange-Traded Funds

A gold exchange-traded fund (ETF) is a type of mutual fund that owns physical gold. Gold ETFs are purchased and traded on financial markets like stocks.
Gold ETFs are traded just like stocks, so they can be bought and sold throughout the day on an exchange. Unlike stocks, gold ETFs aren't required to provide quarterly or annual statements.
Gold ETF Shares
When you purchase shares in a gold ETF, you own part of the entire portfolio of gold.
Gold IRAs
Since 1997, gold IRAs have become popular investments for Americans who want to invest in gold.
In order to open a self-directed gold IRA, you'll need a custodian. The custodian will hold the gold and pay out your gold IRA distributions.