Gold IRAs For The Self-Employed

Account Options

• SEP IRA: a self-directed SEP IRA can hold eligible metals if the custodian supports it.
• Traditional or Roth IRA: self-directed versions work as described in how a gold IRA works.
• Solo 401(k): some plans allow metals; many do not. Check the plan document.

What To Check

• Does the custodian accept this account type?
• What are this year's contribution limits? They change annually; check the IRS.
• How would the same rules on eligible metals apply?

SEP IRA Basics

A SEP IRA lets a self-employed person or small business owner make employer contributions for themselves and any employees. Contribution limits are set by the IRS and depend on income, so check the current rules or ask a CPA. A SEP IRA can usually be self-directed with a custodian that allows metals.

Solo 401(k) Considerations

A solo 401(k) can allow high contributions for a self-employed person with no employees, but whether it can hold metals depends on the plan document and custodian. Many off-the-shelf plans are limited to funds and cannot hold physical metals, so ask the provider before assuming it will work.

Comparing Your Options

Recordkeeping And Rules

• Keep statements and confirmations for every purchase.
• Avoid prohibited transactions, such as buying metals from or selling them to yourself.
• Confirm eligibility of each product with your custodian.

See IRS rules for what qualifies.

When To Talk To A CPA

Self-employed people often have irregular income, quarterly taxes, and several accounts. A CPA can help you decide how much to contribute, which account to use, and how a metals holding fits your tax picture.

A Scenario, With No Numbers

Imagine a freelancer with irregular income who wants to hold a small amount of metals in a retirement account. A reasonable path might be to confirm which account types they already have, ask a CPA how much they can contribute this year, choose a self-directed custodian that accepts the right account type, and only then talk to dealers. Starting with the dealer, instead of the account, is how people end up with the wrong structure.

Common Pitfalls

• Choosing a solo 401(k) provider that cannot hold metals.
• Missing the contribution deadline for the tax year.
• Mixing personal and business transactions in a way that creates a prohibited transaction.