Gold IRA Storage Options: How to Store Gold in an IRA

Author: Focus on the User | 6 min read | Updated
Store gold and silver in Gold IRA

When opening a Gold IRA, storage is an important investment decision. From storage costs to the types of storage available, these should be considered based on your retirement strategy. Focus on the User breaks down what you need to know storing your Gold IRA, making it easy to understand.

Focus on Key Takeaways
  • Two storage options in Gold IRAs: Segregated storage, where assets are stored separately, or non-segregated (commingled) storage.
  • Self-Directed Gold IRA assets must be stored in IRS-approved depositories to maintain tax advantages.
  • Storage fees vary by account size and type, typically ranging from $100 to $500 per year.
  • Approved depositories offer high security and insurance, protecting your investment with features like Class M-rated vault doors and 24/7 surveillance.

Allowed Storage Options in Gold IRA

When holding physical gold in a Gold IRA, IRS rules require you to use an approved, secure storage facility to keep your investment tax-compliant. You have two main storage options: segregated storage (allocated), where your gold is stored separately with your name on it, and non-segregated storage (commingled), where your gold is pooled with others.

Segregated Storage (Allocated Storage)

Segregated Storage (Allocated Storage)

Your gold is stored separately from other investors' assets in a dedicated space. This option ensures that the exact gold you purchase is the gold you’ll receive when you liquidate. It offers the highest level of security and privacy but has higher fees than non-segregated storage.

Non-Segregated Storage (Commingled Storage)

Non-Segregated Storage (Commingled Storage)

Your gold is stored alongside other investors' assets in a shared space. While more cost-effective than segregated storage, you may not receive the exact bars or coins you originally purchased upon liquidation, though their value remains the same.

Your IRA custodian manages the administrative details of the storage in your Gold IRA, ensuring IRS compliance and coordinating with the depository on your behalf. This includes facilitating access or liquidation of your assets if needed. The storage fees they offer can vary depending on the investment amount and type of storage you choose from $100 to $500+ per year.

IRS-Approved Depositories

The IRS requires the use of approved, secure depositories to maintain the tax-advantaged status of the account. These depositories are rigorously regulated and offer high levels of security, including insurance coverage typically between $500 million and $1 billion.

Most companies work closely with these Gold IRA depositories and can help you choose the best one for your investment. Some of the top depositories include:

  1. Delaware Depository
  2. Brink's Global Services USA, Inc.
  3. International Depository Services (IDS) Group
  4. Texas Precious Metals Depository
  5. CNT Depository, Inc.

How to Choose a Reputable Gold IRA Depository

Gold IRA Depository Storage

Choosing a trustworthy depository for your Gold IRA is crucial to ensure the security and compliance of your investment.Here are the key considerations when choosing a reputable Gold IRA depository:

  • IRS Approval and Compliance: Ensure the depository is IRS-approved and follows strict regulations. This compliance maintains your Gold IRA’s tax-advantaged status.
  • Security Measures: Look for facilities with robust security protocols, including 24/7 surveillance, access controls, and alarm systems. The higher the security, the better protected your assets are.
  • Insurance Coverage: Confirm that the depository provides comprehensive insurance (typically $500 million to $1 billion) to cover the value of stored assets in case of theft or damage.
  • Storage Options (Segregated vs. Non-Segregated): Decide whether you prefer segregated storage, which keeps your gold separate, or non-segregated storage, which is commingled with other investors' assets. Segregated storage generally has higher fees but offers extra peace of mind.
  • Reputation and Track Record: Choose a depository with a strong reputation, proven track record, and positive client feedback. Reputable depositories are more likely to have secure and reliable storage practices.
  • Transparency and Accessibility: Opt for a depository that offers transparency in their processes, fees, and policies. Accessibility to your IRA custodian for account management is also important.

While the Gold IRA company you select will help guide you through this process, it’s essential to understand the factors that go into selecting a reliable depository so you know where your assets are stored and how they’re protected.

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Fees in Gold IRA Storage

When holding physical gold in a Gold IRA, you’ll incur storage fees to keep your assets secure and IRS-compliant in an approved depository. Storage costs vary based on account size and storage type, with typical fees for smaller accounts (under $50,000) ranging from $100 to $250 annually. For larger accounts, fees are usually percentage-based, around 0.5-1% of the account’s value.

The average storage fees for Gold IRAs range from $100 to $500 per year. Segregated storage, which keeps your gold separate, generally costs more than non-segregated options.

The table below helps you estimate the fees you can expect when you open a Gold IRA account.

Estimate Your Gold IRA Storage Fees

Investment AmountFee TypeNon-Segregated StorageSegregated StorageEstimated Percentage of Account Value
$10,000Flat Fee$100 - $150$150 - $200-
$50,000Flat Fee$150 - $200$200 - $250-
$100,000Percentage-Based Fee$500 - $800$600 - $1,0000.5% - 1.0%
$250,000Percentage-Based Fee$1,250 - $2,000$1,500 - $2,5000.5% - 1.0%
$500,000Percentage-Based Fee$2,500 - $4,000$3,000 - $5,0000.5% - 1.0%

*Storage fees are only estimates. Make sure to check directly with your Gold IRA company and their fees.

In addition to storage fees, Gold IRAs also incur fees for setup, annual maintenance, and the rollover/transfer.

Restricted Storage Options

IRS rules strictly prohibit certain storage options for Gold IRAs to maintain compliance and tax benefits. Two common misconceptions are storing Gold IRA assets at home or in a bank safe deposit box, but both are not allowed for IRS-approved Gold IRAs.

At-Home Gold IRA Storage (Not Allowed)

Home Gold IRA Storage

Storing Gold IRA assets at home may seem convenient, but the IRS does not permit it. Home storage violates IRS regulations because it lacks the security and oversight of an approved depository, which is essential for preserving tax-advantaged status.

Bank Safes & Deposit Boxes (Not Allowed)

Bank Safes & Deposit Boxes

While bank safe deposit boxes offer a degree of security, they are not IRS-approved depositories for Gold IRAs. Storing gold in a bank would break compliance rules, as these boxes do not provide the regulated, insured environment that Gold IRAs require.

If these rules are broken, your Gold IRA will lose its tax-advantaged status, leading to penalties and potential disqualification of the IRA. Always use IRS-approved depositories to ensure compliance and protect your investment, following all rules in a Gold IRA.

IRS Regulations Behind Gold IRA Storage

Under IRS code 26 U.S.C. § 408, Gold IRA and Silver IRA assets must be stored in approved depositories equipped with specific security measures, such as Class M rated vault doors. These regulations are in place to protect investors by ensuring that stored precious metals meet stringent security standards, minimizing risks of mismanagement and fraud. Compliance is critical; storing gold outside an approved facility is considered a distribution and may result in severe penalties.

  • Mandatory Approved Depositories: Gold must be held in IRS-approved facilities that meet specific security criteria.
  • Severe Penalties for Non-Compliance: Unauthorized storage triggers taxes at the investor’s marginal rate (up to 37% in 2024) and a possible 10% early withdrawal penalty.
  • Enhanced Security Standards: Approved depositories are required to have advanced security features, like Class M vault doors, to safeguard investments.

Following these regulations is essential to maintain your Gold IRA’s tax-advantaged status and protect your assets.

Storage FAQ

Top-rated Gold IRA storage facilities use advanced security measures, including Class M-rated vault doors, 24/7 surveillance, access control systems, and robust insurance coverage to protect your Gold IRA.

Visiting your stored gold is typically allowed by appointment in most IRA-approved facilities, though policies vary by depository so it's important to check. Contact your custodian and depository in advance to arrange a visit.

Gold within an IRA is audited regularly to ensure accuracy and compliance. Independent auditors verify the quantity, quality, and security of stored assets to maintain IRA standards on your Gold IRA.

Retrieving gold from storage involves requesting liquidation through your Gold IRA custodian, who will coordinate with the depository to either sell the metals or ship them to you if you decide to take physical possession.

Only IRS-approved precious metals are eligible for storage in a Gold IRA, including gold (99.5% purity), silver (99.9%), platinum (99.95%), and palladium (99.95%). Popular options include the American Gold Eagle, Canadian Silver Maple Leaf, and Canadian Platinum Maple Leaf. Only coins and bars meeting these purity standards qualify for IRA storage.

How Focus on the User Makes Storage Easy for Gold IRAs

While working with a trustworthy Gold IRA company, you will decide on the storage solutions for your new Gold IRA. Focus on the User outlines the legal options for storage to make sure its clear what can and cannot be done with your physical gold and silver.


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