How do I buy gold in an IRA?

Buying gold in an IRA requires five steps: choose a Gold IRA company and custodian, open a self-directed IRA (SDIRA), fund via direct rollover or contribution ($7,000 limit / $8,000 if 50+), select IRS-approved metals meeting 99.5% fineness, and have metals shipped to an IRS-approved depository.

What gold coins are IRA eligible?

IRA-eligible gold coins include American Gold Eagle (91.67%), American Gold Buffalo (99.99%), Canadian Gold Maple Leaf (99.99%), Austrian Gold Philharmonic (99.99%), and Australian Gold Kangaroo (99.99%). South African Krugerrands are NOT eligible.

What are Gold IRA fees?

Gold IRA fees include: setup ($50-$300), annual custodian ($75-$300/yr), segregated storage ($150-$300/yr) or commingled ($100-$150/yr), and seller markup over spot (1-5%). Total: $300-$700/year.

Can I store IRA gold at home?

No. Home storage is a prohibited transaction confirmed by the Tax Court in McNulty v. Commissioner (2017). It results in deemed distribution of the entire account plus taxes and 10% penalty.

Are Gold IRA rollovers taxable?

Direct rollovers (trustee-to-trustee) are not taxable. Indirect rollovers require redeposit within 60 days and are limited to one per 12 months across all IRAs.

What if I invested $1,000 in gold 10 years ago?

$1,000 invested in gold in April 2016 (at approximately $1,240/oz) would be worth approximately $2,580 by April 2026 (at ~$3,200/oz) — a 158% gain. The S&P 500 returned approximately 220% in the same period, but gold provided significant downside protection during 2022's equity drawdown.

How much is 1 oz of gold right now?

Gold spot price fluctuates daily. As of April 2026, gold trades near $3,200 per troy ounce. Your Gold IRA dealer will charge the spot price plus a bid-ask spread and dealer markup of 1–5% depending on the coin or bar type.

Why does Dave Ramsey say not to invest in gold?

Dave Ramsey argues gold underperforms stocks long-term and produces no income or dividends. This is a fair critique for 100% gold portfolios. However, most financial advisors recommend 5–10% gold allocation as an inflation hedge and portfolio stabilizer — not a growth engine. Gold's 158% return over 10 years trails the S&P 500's ~220% but significantly outperformed during 2022's -18% equity year.

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Disclaimer

We are an educational resource and do not provide financial advice. For specific investment questions, consult a qualified financial advisor.

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Investment Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, tax, or legal advice. Gold IRAs involve risk, including possible loss of principal. Consult a licensed financial advisor, CPA, or attorney before making investment decisions. Past performance of gold does not guarantee future results. IRS rules referenced are current as of March 2026 — verify at 590-B. We may earn referral fees from companies featured on this site. Rankings are based on our 11-criteria methodology — not compensation.