Precious Metals IRA

Precious Metals IRA

Hold physical gold and silver inside an IRA, not an ETF or a gold derivative

A Gold IRA lets you own IRS-approved precious metals in a secure depository—while keeping the same tax framework as a traditional or Roth IRA. You can liquidate for cash or take an in-kind distribution of the metals when you choose.  

What is a Precious Metals IRA?

A Gold IRA is typically a self-directed IRA that can hold certain IRS-approved bullion and coins. Because most precious metals are treated as “collectibles,” they are generally not permitted in an IRA unless they qualify for the exception and are held in the physical possession of a bank or IRS-approved nonbank trustee (through an approved depository).  

Why Investors use a Precious Metal IRA?

  •  DIVERSIFICATION: Add tangible assets alongside stocks and bonds.
  • TAX TREATMENT: Gains and distributions follow IRA rules (traditional or Roth), not standard taxable brokerage rules. 
  • INSTITUTIONAL STORAGE: Metals remain in qualified custody and storage—not at home while inside the IRA.  

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What is a Precious Metals IRA?

A Gold IRA is typically a self-directed IRA that can hold certain IRS-approved bullion and coins. Because most precious metals are treated as “collectibles,” they are generally not permitted in an IRA unless they qualify for the exception and are held in the physical possession of a bank or IRS-approved nonbank trustee (through an approved depository).  

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Why investors use a Gold IRA

Add tangible assets alongside stocks and bonds.

Tax treatment: Gains and distributions follow IRA rules (traditional or Roth), not standard taxable brokerage rules.  

How It Works

Fund it via transfer, rollover, or new contribution (subject to IRS limits and eligibility).

Select IRA-eligible metals (we’ll guide product selection based on liquidity and premiums).

When you’re ready, you can sell within the IRA for cash, or take a distribution (including an in-kind distribution of metals delivered to you). Distributions may be taxable and, if you’re under 59½, may be subject to penalties depending on your situation.

What metals qualify?

The IRS allows an exception for certain bullion and numismatic coins. In practice, custodians commonly require minimum fineness standards such as: gold 99.5% (.995), silver 99.9% (.999), and platinum/palladium 99.95% (.9995), plus specific coin exceptions such as American Eagle Gold and Silver Proof coins. 

Approved depositories typically offer:

Segregated storage: Your specific coins/bars are stored separately.

Non-segregated/commingled: Metals are stored with other clients’ metals of the same type.

We’ll help you choose based on your priorities and cost.  

Distributions and taking possession

While metals are held inside the IRA, they must remain in qualified custody. Taking personal possession while still “in” the IRA can be treated as a distribution and can create taxes/penalties. If you want the metals in-hand, that is typically done via an in-kind distribution from the IRA (a taxable event under the normal distribution rules).  

How The Gold Wave Group helps

Education-first consultation: We walk through goals, timeline, and allocation considerations.

Product selection: Focused on recognized, liquid products with sensible all-in economics.

Execution support: Coordinate with your custodian and help manage the purchase and shipment flow to the depository.

Clarity on costs: Custodian and depository fees vary; we make sure you understand the full picture upfront.

Ready to explore a Precious Metals IRA?

Schedule a consultation to review eligible products, pricing, estimated timelines, and how custody and storage work.