Understand how Gold IRAs work, their risks, storage, custodians, eligible metals and alternatives.
How a Gold IRA works
A Gold IRA is industry shorthand for an IRA—often a self-directed IRA—that owns qualifying physical precious metals. The IRA trustee or custodian administers the account; a dealer sells the metals; and a depository or other qualifying custodian arrangement holds the physical assets.
The IRS generally restricts IRA investment in collectibles, including metals and coins, but provides statutory exceptions for specified coins and qualifying bullion. The tax treatment still comes from the IRA itself, not from gold.
Questions to answer before proceeding
- What problem am I trying to solve by adding physical precious metals?
- How much of my retirement assets would this represent?
- What is the all-in cost to buy, hold and sell?
- Who controls and stores the assets?
- What would make me sell, and how would that process work?
Get Augusta Precious Metals’ Gold IRA Ultimate 2026 guide and review its educational material before making a decision.
Sources & further reading
- IRS — Retirement plans FAQs regarding IRAs
- IRS Publication 590-B
- CFTC/FINRA — 10 Things to Ask Before Buying Physical Metals
Reviewed August 26, 2026. Rules and provider terms can change; verify current information before acting.