How a Precious Metals IRA Really Works (Step-by-Step, No Hype)

How a Precious Metals IRA Really Works (Step-by-Step, No Hype)
Most people assume a precious metals IRA is complicated. It isn’t. What is complicated is separating reality from marketing noise.

Here is how a precious metals IRA actually works, step by step.

Step 1: You Open a Self-Directed IRA
A precious metals IRA is a self-directed IRA, meaning you—not Wall Street—decide what assets go inside it.

This account is administered by an IRS-approved custodian, not a gold dealer.

Step 2: You Fund the Account
Most investors fund a metals IRA through:

A 401(k) rollover
An IRA-to-IRA transfer
When done properly, this process avoids taxes and penalties.

Step 3: You Choose IRS-Approved Metals
Only specific metals qualify:

Gold must be .995 purity or higher
Silver must be .999 purity or higher
Only approved coins and bars qualify
Collectibles do not qualify.

Step 4: Metals Are Stored Securely
IRS rules require metals to be stored in an approved depository.
Home storage is not allowed and can trigger taxes and penalties.

Step 5: Holding, Rebalancing, or Distributions
You can:

Hold metals long term
Rebalance your allocation
Take distributions in cash or physical metals (tax rules apply)
Bottom Line
A precious metals IRA is a defensive retirement tool when structured correctly—and a costly mistake when done improperly.

Next Step:
Want to know if a precious metals IRA makes sense for your situation?
👉 Request your free GOLD IRA GUIDE or speak with a specialist today.