Articles Categorized in: Blog

Can I Cash Out My IRA Before 59 1/2?

IRAs are designed to help save for retirement. The IRS imposes strict rules and penalties that discourage withdrawing funds before age 59 1/2. Good news – the IRS does offer exceptions. Here are a few examples: If your unreimbursed medical expenses exceed 7.5% of adjusted gross income or you are called up as military reserve personnel to active duty; or are the beneficiary of an IRA owned by someone who died; all may qualify. Taxes Withdrawals from traditional, SEP, and...
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What is the IRS Code for an IRA?

IRS rules regarding IRAs can be complex, so always consult a tax expert when opening one. IRAs allow investors to invest in assets like real estate, horses and intellectual property – although care must be taken not to engage in any unlawful transactions. Use code H for direct rollover of a Roth account distribution and code G for direct payment. Contributions Individual Retirement Accounts are created to help save for retirement. Contributions made towards traditional IRAs may be tax-deductible while...
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Is There a Gold IRA?

Gold IRAs are self-directed individual retirement accounts (IRAs) that enable investors to hold physical gold, silver and platinum as an asset class investment vehicle – providing an easy way to diversify retirement portfolio. Before investing in gold IRAs, however, it’s important to understand all associated fees. You should expect an initial setup fee as well as custodial and storage charges. Tax-advantaged investing Gold IRAs allow investors to diversify their retirement portfolios with physical precious metals. Similar to traditional IRAs, these...
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How Can I Invest My IRA in Gold?

Gold investments provide an effective means of diversifying your retirement portfolio and protecting against stock market volatility. Reputable gold IRA companies can assist in moving your retirement assets into precious metals IRAs. These firms understand IRS rules for retirement accounts and frequently work with custodians and dealers. Taxes Gold can act as a tangible asset that protects purchasing power over time, while paper currencies tend to lose purchasing power with time. Plus, buying and owning gold requires far fewer fees...
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Tax Implications of Gold Investments

Your tax liability for gold investments depends on which kind you select; for instance, the IRS considers precious metals such as bars and coins to be collectibles, which means their tax treatment differs from that of financial investments. Whenever you sell precious metals for more than their cost basis, capital gains tax must be paid. How much you owe depends on both your individual tax rate and how long the metals were held before being sold. Collectibles Gold investments can...
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What Invalidates an Elliott Wave?

As with seashells and snowflakes, Elliott waves are fractals – that means they can be broken apart into smaller waves for a clearer market overview. Ralph Nelson Elliott was an eccentric accountant in the 1920s who observed that financial markets followed certain patterns based on collective psychology such as greed and fear. 1. Miscounting corrective waves Elliott Wave Theory states that five waves move in the direction of trend and are known as motive waves, while three move against it...
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Can I Move My IRA to an Offshore IRA?

An offshore IRA allows you to invest in foreign currencies and assets while offering asset protection benefits not available with traditional IRAs. However, an offshore IRA is a complex structure from a US tax perspective, requiring an experienced attorney for guidance when creating one. First and foremost, you need to locate an IRA custodian that allows for foreign structures and investments. Many IRA custodians make their living from selling investments; therefore they may be reluctant to allow your accounts overseas....
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How Does a Silver IRA Work?

A Silver IRA is similar to your existing retirement account, except it consists of real silver coins and bars instead of paper assets. A Silver IRA provides diversification in your portfolio against inflation as well as uncertain economic environments. If you own an old 401(k), 457 plan, Thrift Savings Plan or annuity account, rolling it over into a silver IRA is simple and will provide several tax benefits. Safe-haven asset A silver IRA is an individual retirement account that stores...
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Can You Buy Gold With an IRA?

Gold has long been considered an appealing investment option for retirement accounts. However, investing in gold comes with some unique challenges and risks that must be considered before proceeding with any investment decision. Before investing, verify your precious metals IRA company is approved by the Internal Revenue Service as a custodian and be mindful of any associated fees that could reduce growth potential in retirement savings accounts. Legality Most IRA custodians allow only investments in publicly-traded stocks, bonds, and mutual...
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How Does the IRS Know You Sold Gold?

If you sell gold for profit in the United States, you must report it to the IRS. Dealers must also file with them an annual Form 1099B reporting their customers’ cash payments and the amounts received as commission. Not all sales will trigger reporting requirements; certain factors, such as payment exceeding $10,000 in cash, can trigger them for reporting. Dealers Dealers must report customer sales of gold coins and bullion to the IRS when their sales exceed a specific dollar...
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