IRA Programs

Precious Metals in your IRA

For several years only gold and silver U.S. American Eagle coins were allowed as IRA investments.  Since 1998, the new platinum U.S. American Eagle coin has also been allowed, as well as gold, silver, platinum and palladium bullion which meet certain standards.

GoldStar Trust Company is a leading custodian for precious metals IRAs in the United States.  our experience and expertise in this area make it easy for you to work with us to open your precious metals IRA.

There are three simple steps:

• Establish the account
• Fund the account with regular contributions, transfers or rollovers
• Give GoldStar investment instructions

You choose your own precious metals dealer, negotiate the price and leave the rest to GoldStar.  your metal will be stored at an internationally recognized precious metals depository.  GoldStar will provide you with a semiannual account hardcopy statement, showing all activity in your account and the fair market value of your investments as well as providing you with 24/7 online access to your account.

When it is time to take distributions from your IRA, you may choose to convert your precious metals investments to cash through your dealer, or take a distribution of the actual coins or bullion.  This flexibility means you can wait for optimum market conditions before you sell.

As your IRA custodian, we are only concerned with making the investments you direct, protecting your assets while they are in the IRA, and performing all the duties of an IRA custodian.  We do not offer or sell any investments, nor are we affiliated with any precious metals dealer.  We do not give tax or legal advice.  We do not benefit financially from your investment choices.

Your dealer referred you to this page to get information and forms you need to open an IRA at GoldStar Trust.  Once the account is established and funded, you may direct us to purchase and hold precious metals in your IRA.  Always contact your dealer with questions about your precious metals, and contact GoldStar Trust with questions about your IRA.

What is a IRA?

An Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is an investment strategy that is designed to hold your income and your rate of return, over time, in a special tax-deferred shell.

There are a wide variety of ways you can create an IRA to meet your personal retirement needs and bring you the best return on your dollar.  They may include:

• Stocks
• Bonds (Church, Municipal, Corporate or Government)
• Mutual Funds
• Promissory Notes
• Certificates of Deposit and Time Certificates

There are also a wide variety of rules and regulations regarding how and when you can withdraw your money from an IRA account.

The key is finding the right specialist who will listen and personally help you design the unique IRA plan for you.

Whether considering an Traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA), a Roth IRA, a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) Plan or a Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees IRA (Simple IRA)...our GoldStar Trust Company specialists are trained and equipped to assist you in mapping just the right retirement plan for your future.

What is a Self-directed IRA?

A Self-directed IRA is exactly like any other IRA, with one major difference.  You get to choose where your IRA funds will be invested, rather than just accepting whatever the IRA Trustee or Custodian offers.  This gives you greater flexibility, because you can choose precious metals, stocks, bonds, CDs, mutual funds, government obligations and other investments.

Traditional or Roth IRA?

Anyone under age 70 1/2 who has earned income can contribute to a Traditional IRA each year.  Anyone, regardless of age, who has earned income below certain thresholds can contribute to a Roth IRA each year.  The maximum contribution is %5,000 with another $1,000 allowed for those 50 and over, for 2008, with possible cost-of-living adjustments in 2009 and thereafter.  Depending on your income, martial status, and participation in employer plans, your contribution to a Traditional IRA may be deductible.  Contributions to a Roth IRA are never deductible, but qualified distributions from the account are completely tax free.  Your tax advisor can help you determine which type of IRA is most appropriate for you.

IRA Transfers and Rollovers

Money in an existing IRA can be moved to a GoldStar precious metals IRA by transfer or rollover.  A transfer does not require IRS reporting and there are no restrictions on how often you can transfer funds.  You simply open an IRA at GoldStar and authorize the transfer.  GoldStar will contact the previous institution and take care of getting the funds moved.  Special rules apply if you have reached age 70 1/2, and you should check wit the previous trustee or custodian to see if there will be frees or penalties.  IRA Rollovers require reporting to the IRS and there are time limits and other restrictions. You should always seek competent tax advice before taking a distribution for rollover.

A Final Word...

The tax laws regarding IRAs are complex and cannot be covedred fully in this document.  This is especially true for rollovers from other retirement plans.  Before making any decisions you should seek competent advice from your attorney, CPA or investment advisor.

GoldStar is not affiliated with any precious metals dealer, does not offer invetments or investment advice, and receives no compensation from investments made for your account.  The representative for the dealer who is assisting you may be able to answer some of your questions.  However, such representatives do not represent GoldStar, and you should always contact us directly with questions about your account with us.  You may call us for more information or for an application.

GoldStar Retirement Central

Click here to access GoldStar's Retirement Central pages where you will find a wealth of information including retirement calculators and the most up to date information about IRA's

Download Forms

Click here to access most IRA forms online in PDF format.