Understanding Gold SEP IRAs: A Comprehensive Study Introduction A Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) IRA is a retirement plan designed for self-employed individuals and small business owners. It allows for higher contribution limits compared to traditional IRAs, making it an attractive option for those looking to save for retirement. Recently, there has been growing interest in Gold SEP IRAs, which allow investors to hold physical gold and other precious metals within their retirement accounts. This report delves into the intricacies of Gold SEP IRAs, their benefits, risks, and the process of setting one up. What is a Gold SEP IRA? A Gold SEP IRA is a type of SEP IRA that allows investors to include physical gold and other precious metals as part of their retirement savings. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) permits certain types of precious metals to be held in retirement accounts, including gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. The primary advantage of a Gold SEP IRA is the potential for wealth preservation and growth through the appreciation of precious metals over time. Eligibility and Contribution Limits To qualify for a SEP IRA, the business owner must be self-employed or own a small business. The IRS allows contributions to be made for employees, including the business owner, with the following limits: For 2023, the contribution limit is the lesser of 25% of an employee's compensation or $66,000. Contributions are made on a pre-tax basis, which can lower taxable income for the year. Advantages of Gold SEP IRAs Inflation Hedge: Gold has historically been viewed as a hedge against inflation. In times of economic uncertainty or rising inflation, gold tends to retain its value, making it an attractive investment for retirement savings.