Articles Categorized in: Blog

Capital Gains Tax When Selling Silver

Precious metals are an excellent way to secure your wealth. But when selling them, you must remember the capital gains tax (CGT). Physical gold and silver coins, rounds, and bars are considered collectibles by the IRS and thus subject to higher rates than ordinary long-term capital gains taxes. Cost basis Cost basis refers to the original purchase price of an investment. It plays an essential role in assessing tax liability as well as in calculating capital gains or losses. The...
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Taxes and Withdrawals From an IRA

There can be various reasons for withdrawing money from an IRA, but keep in mind that penalties apply unless one of the exceptions apply to you. There are tax breaks for paying qualified education expenses, purchasing your first home and paying medical insurance premiums when unemployed – as well as exceptions for death and disability. Taxes Withdrawals made before age 59 1/2 are typically taxed as income and subject to a 10% penalty, however if you fail to follow the...
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Are There Two Types of IRA?

An Individual Retirement Account, or IRA, can help you save for retirement and reduce taxes right now – there are various types with differing structures and income limits to consider when choosing one. You can open an IRA at many financial institutions, including brokerage firms, banks and credit unions. When researching fees, minimum opening requirements and management costs before choosing your provider. Traditional IRA Traditional IRAs allow anyone with earned income to invest money tax-free. They’re an excellent way to...
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Types of Traditional IRAs

A traditional IRA provides tax savings with tax-deferred growth potential. This investment option may be suitable if either you or your spouse is covered by a workplace retirement plan; your income does not qualify for Roth IRA deduction; or you would like to transfer assets from an employer-sponsored retirement account. Roth IRA Traditional IRAs provide tax-advantaged growth opportunities that can supplement savings in an employer-sponsored retirement plan. Contribute at any age as long as either you (if filing jointly) or...
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Is an IRA Custodian a Fiduciary?

An IRA custodian is defined as an entity that meets IRS regulations and can withstand audits and regulatory oversight, while an administrator provides basic reporting but can’t manage various assets and investments. Self-directed IRA custodians must conduct thorough due diligence on their clients’ investment decisions and be mindful of investments that may generate Unrelated Business Taxable Income (UBTI). Fiduciary duty Fiduciary duty refers to the duty of acting in the best interests of one’s clients, which involves disclosing all information...
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How Much Should You Invest in a Gold IRA?

An Individual Retirement Account (IRA) allows you to invest in precious metals as an alternative investment within a tax-advantaged retirement account, but there are numerous expenses you should take into account before setting one up. Before investing in a gold IRA, it’s wise to conduct extensive research using impartial third-party sources – not gold IRA companies that may have an incentive to sell you an account. Also seek advice from an advisor with fiduciary responsibilities who will act in your...
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How Do I Buy a Gold IRA?

If you want to add physical gold to your retirement portfolio, select a company that ensures full compliance with IRS rules, helps select eligible precious metals, and provides safe storage. Avoid pressure tactics from companies promising large amounts of free silver. Selling fees may also compromise your investment, with dealers often offering less than the current market value for bullion and coins you wish to sell. Buying Gold Gold investing can be an effective way to bolster your retirement portfolio...
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Why Buying and Storing Gold at Home is Not a Great Idea

Home storage of gold should be avoided for several reasons. Not only could your bullion become vulnerable to theft, but there’s often no protection from fire, floods or natural disasters either. Gold investments require both an expensive and secure insurance policy to protect them. Furthermore, its purity may be difficult to demonstrate. Safe deposit boxes Gold bars and coins may be stored safely at home, though this method poses some risks. First, it may be difficult to keep thieves from...
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Taxes on IRA Withdrawals

IRAs are retirement accounts designed for use during retirement. Any withdrawals are taxed, depending on whether they were funded with pre-tax money or post-tax money. You can find an IRA at various brokerage firms, mutual fund companies and banks. Many individuals will need to withdraw funds from their IRA prior to retirement due to emergency expenses, such as home purchase or medical insurance premiums. Luckily, there are ways around paying a penalty for early withdrawals. Taxes on IRA withdrawals Early...
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How Do I Keep My IRA in Silver?

Silver has long been considered an asset to diversify retirement portfolios against inflation and provides historical value. But precious metals IRAs may pose special risks and be more costly than other investments. Before investing in your silver IRA, be aware of all its associated risks. To help minimize them, choose an organization with outstanding reviews and a one-stop shop approach for purchasing and storing silver in retirement accounts. Self-directed IRAs Self-directed IRAs enable investors to invest in alternative assets, including...
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