Are Gold and Silver Coins and Bars Taxable?
Precious metals differ from paper investments in that they’re tangible physical assets that hold real value and preserve wealth for future generations. Therefore, investing in precious metals may be an ideal choice to diversify one’s portfolio.
In this article, we will investigate the tax ramifications associated with purchasing and selling gold and silver coins. This discussion includes sales tax, capital gains tax, as well as any applicable limits or restrictions.
Sales tax
Texas is a large and wealthy state with many residents who understand the benefits of investing in precious metals, yet many people remain unaware that precious metal sales could be subject to tax. A transaction becomes taxable when title passes from seller to buyer or upon present sale for future delivery (though tax may apply until title passes in certain instances). While ICTA provides guidelines that assist in identifying which sales may be taxed, tax laws can change from time to time making accurate determination more challenging than ever.
Sound money advocates are making great progress at the state level in eliminating taxes on precious metal bullion. Alabama recently passed legislation to extend an exemption for precious metals that was approved last year, and other bills are also currently under consideration in other states. This marks another small step toward legalizing gold and silver as legal tender and countering the Federal Reserve’s control of money supply.
Capital gains tax
Whoever decides to invest in physical gold and silver must be aware of capital gains taxes. Since the IRS considers precious metals collectibles (similar to art or antiques), gains may be subject to tax at an up to 28% maximum rate, unlike investing assets like stocks or mutual funds which have lower tax rates of 15-22%.
The Internal Revenue Service requires dealers selling physical precious metals to report profits to them as a precaution against money laundering and fraudulent activities. Dealers also must report cash payments of $10,000 or more that take place in one transaction to the IRS.
Government-issued coins with face values are exempt from sales tax because they serve as legal tender, minting precious metals for their monetary rather than historical worth. Furthermore, investors do not pay sales taxes when purchasing silver bars with no face value.
Reporting to the IRS
Though some websites claim that silver coins and bars are exempt from capital gains taxes, the IRS mandates all sales of precious metal bullion be reported and then taxed according to any profit earned by sellers, also known as capital gains.
Dealers must file Form 1099-B when selling precious metal pieces that appear on the IRS Reportable Items List and sold in certain quantities, such as 1 oz Gold Maple Leaf and Krugerrand coins; 1 oz Silver American Eagle coins; and certain US coins composed of 90% silver are reportable items. COMEX 1000 oz bars must also be reported.
Dealers must report cash payments of $10,000 or more made in one transaction to help the IRS monitor large commodity exchanges in the US and combat money laundering schemes and other forms of crime.
Other taxes and limits
Precious metals offer an alternative form of currency that has its own intrinsic value independent from government interference, providing protection from political unrest or inflationary pressures. This feature makes precious metal investments particularly advantageous during difficult economic conditions where fiat currencies could depreciate quickly.
Precious metals may also be held in an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), where they will remain exempt from sales taxes. Investors usually opt for an external company to store their gold and silver holdings safely within their IRAs.
The Internal Revenue Service classifies physical precious metals as collectibles, and taxes any gains on them as ordinary income compared to investments such as real estate and stocks which are taxed as long-term capital gains. Collector coins also face an even higher maximum collectibles tax rate of 28% which makes investing in bullion more desirable than rare numismatic coins or foreign coins; particularly since its prices tend to be much more reasonable compared to rare premium coins or foreign coins.
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