Understanding IRS Gold IRA: A Comprehensive Guide The IRS Gold IRA is a specialized retirement account that allows individuals to invest in physical gold and other precious metals as part of their retirement savings strategy. This investment vehicle offers a unique opportunity to diversify a retirement portfolio while providing a hedge against inflation and market volatility. In this report, we will explore the key features, benefits, regulations, and considerations associated with IRS Gold IRAs. What is a Gold IRA? A Gold IRA, or Individual Retirement Account, is a type of self-directed IRA that allows investors to hold physical gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. Unlike traditional IRAs that typically invest in stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, a Gold IRA provides an avenue for individuals to invest in tangible assets. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has specific rules governing the types of metals that can be included in a Gold IRA, ensuring that they meet certain purity standards. Types of Precious Metals Allowed The IRS permits several types of precious metals to be included in a Gold IRA, including: Gold: Coins and bullion must have a minimum purity of 99.5%. Approved gold coins include the American Gold Eagle, Canadian Gold Maple Leaf, and the Austrian Gold Philharmonic. Silver: Silver must have a minimum purity of 99.9%. Acceptable silver coins include the American Silver Eagle and Canadian Silver Maple Leaf. Platinum: Platinum must also meet a minimum purity of 99.95%. The American Platinum Eagle is a popular option. Palladium: Like platinum, palladium must have a purity of 99.95%. The American Palladium Eagle is one example.