Contributor, Benzinga
November 22, 2022

If you decide to move retirement funds from an existing individual retirement account (IRA) to invest in precious metals like gold, you’ll need an expert to help you with a gold IRA rollover. Opening a gold IRA isn’t difficult, but you should be aware of the relevant administrative requirements. 

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has specific criteria and limitations on gold IRA rollovers. Get experts to help you access precious metals during retirement planning and comply with IRS requirements.

Best Companies for Gold IRA Rollovers

Several highly regarded providers can assist with IRA rollovers. Here are five of the best. 

Advantage Gold

A precious metal investment firm, Advantage Gold, helps clients invest and take ownership of precious metals like gold, silver and platinum. The company offers expert guidance on gold IRA rollovers with several options for storage. Its precious metal buy-back options also allow quick and easy trading. 

Advantage Gold provides clients with educational material, including workshops, webinars and videos. The company waives first-year fees for investments of more than $50,000. 

Augusta Precious Metals

Augusta Precious Metals is a full-service precious metal dealer. One of the biggest gold and silver dealers in the U.S., Augusta Precious Metals doesn’t deal in platinum or palladium assets. The company ensures that clients are well looked after, allocating an individual account manager to each new client. You can choose to have your gold IRA precious metal assets delivered to an IRS-approved depository when you buy through Augusta Precious Metals. 

The company also offers investors loads of educational material to help with investment decisions and retirement planning. 

American Hartford Gold

American Hartford Gold specializes in IRA investment plans. The company offers a range of precious metal assets, including gold, silver, platinum and palladium coins and bullion. If you have at least $10,000 to put into your gold IRA rollover, American Hartford Gold will set up your IRA free of charge, though you will have to pay custodian fees. You may also qualify for free storage over three years. You will also be able to sell back precious metals investments in your retirement account because American Hartford Gold offers a buyback guarantee.  

Lear Capital

Lear Capital has been selling precious metals and helping clients with gold IRA rollovers since 1997. When you invest with Lear Capital, you can choose from a range of precious metals. An account leader will help you with your application and set up your account within 24 hours. Lear Capital charges no fees for setting up your gold IRA rollover. Large-sum investors can benefit from discounts, with the company waiving first-year storage fees for an investment of $25,000 and second-year storage fees for $50,000. 

Red Rock Secured

Red Rock Secured investments are available online across the country. Complete the online application to apply for a gold IRA rollover. It’s quick and easy, requiring just your name, address and contact details. A consultant will contact you to discuss your precious metal preferences. The company holds precious metal prices for seven days. Once the transaction is complete, Red Rock Secured will deliver your assets free of charge to an IRS-approved depository. Red Rock Secured requires an investment minimum of $1,500. 

How to Complete a Gold IRA rollover

Sometime during your working career, you’re likely to complete an IRA rollover as part of your retirement planning. An IRA rollover happens when you move your retirement funds from one provider to another. The rollover usually occurs if you switch jobs or your prior retirement plan is no longer available or active. 

You have 60 days to transfer investments to another account to avoid taxes. If you withdraw the funds from an IRA and fail to redeposit them within 60 days, you must report the withdrawal to the IRS, and you will pay income tax on the received funds. The IRS allows a single IRA rollover every 12 months, even if you have more than one IRA. 

Here are the steps you’ll take to complete the gold IRA rollover. 

  • Find an IRS-approved trustee or custodian: You will need to set up a self-directed IRA (SDIRA) to have precious metals held in a retirement account. The custodians may be banks or trust companies, allowing people to invest in alternative assets. 
  • Select a trader: You’ll need a precious metals dealer to buy your assets. 
  • Proceed with the rollover: You can choose a direct or indirect rollover. In a direct rollover, your retirement funding moves automatically from one retirement account to the next. If you choose an indirect rollover, you withdraw the funds and put them into the gold IRA.
  • Choose a depository: You must store your precious metal assets in an IRS-approved depository. A good IRA gold company will have storage partners and arrange transport to your chosen provider. 

What is a Gold IRA?

A gold IRA is a retirement account backed by precious metals like gold, palladium and platinum. Precious metal coins, bullion and securities can all form part of a gold IRA fund. If you’ve opted for a gold IRA, you will need a broker to buy the precious metals and a custodian to set up the IRA. You must keep your precious metal assets in an IRS-approved storage facility. 

The same rules apply to a gold IRA as any other IRA, and the IRS sets limits on annual contributions. You can choose whether to use pre-tax or post-tax funds when you set up your Gold IRA. 

Why Invest in Gold?

There are several good reasons to invest in gold. Here are some of the benefits.

  • Diversified assets: Diversified assets can help smooth out market volatility in your investment portfolio. Precious metals can offer diversification because they often move differently from other assets.
  • More control: You can invest in alternative assets with a self-directed gold IRA, which is not possible with a traditional retirement account.
  • Inflation hedge: Investors buy gold to hedge against inflation. Precious metals may hedge against depreciating values in the rest of your portfolio.
  • A store of value: Gold has been a valued commodity for thousands of years. It is used for jewelry and industrial applications. Central banks manage the supply of fiat currencies. They can print notes, increasing supply and devaluing the currency. Gold is free of central bank interference and may hold value.
  • Tax benefits: Gold IRA contributions can be tax deductible. You can save tax on current contributions or future fund distributions.

Should You Get a Gold IRA?

Whether you should get a gold IRA depends on your retirement planning and long-term financial strategies. Gold may provide some safety as it is a recognized store of value. It is a good option for diversifying your investment portfolio and is a tax-deductible asset in an SDIRA. During times of rising inflation and uncertain stock markets, a gold IRA could offer the price stability you need in retirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

Can I invest my IRA in gold?

A

You can invest your IRA in gold if you open an SDIRA. You can seek expert advice to help you navigate the complexities and comply with IRS regulations. 

Q

Are gold IRAs a good idea?

A

A gold IRA is a good idea if you want to take advantage of the diversification and tax benefits of an investment in gold for retirement.