Can I Invest in Gold Tax Free?
Gold and silver are considered capital assets, meaning any gain derived from selling these investments must be reported on your income tax return. There may, however, be some forms of investment which don’t trigger taxes.
Investment profits derived from physical gold can be taxed at the usual maximum long-term capital gains rate, whereas those derived from funds that own physical gold may be subject to the higher maximum collectibles rate.
Capital Gains Tax
Gold has long been seen as an attractive financial investment option, especially as a hedge against inflation and geopolitical risks. But investors must also carefully consider its tax repercussions before investing.
Investors who own physical gold bullion may be subject to capital gains tax when selling it for a profit, as are investors who own shares in companies mining for gold or silver; such gains are considered capital gains and taxed at long-term capital gains rates of 15%-20% depending on a taxpayer’s income level.
Selling gold below its cost basis creates a capital loss, which you can offset against any capital gains to reduce overall tax liability. This strategy is especially popular among investors who buy and sell their investments periodically, while tax-advantaged accounts allow investors to further lower their tax bills.
Income Tax
Gold investments vary depending on their vehicle of investment. Physical gold, which is considered a collectible, attracts a higher capital gains tax rate of 28% while most other assets only face a 15% long-term capital gains tax rate.
To reduce capital gains tax (CGT), invest in tax-free gold bullion products from the Royal Mint like Gold Sovereign and Britannia coins that are legally tender, allowing you to sell only what is necessary when liquidating investments. These coins provide flexibility by giving you exactly the flexibility of selling exactly how much is desired when liquidating investments.
Purchase ETF shares that invest in physical gold bullion can also be tax-efficient; the IRS considers these funds securities and applies regular capital gains rates of either 0%, 15%, or 20% (depending on personal taxation rate tiers) when taxed as individual capital gains. But please keep in mind that you may still incur dealer markups, storage fees and management fees in addition to paying the cost of precious metals themselves.
Value Added Tax
If you received precious metals as gifts or inheritance, they will likely require taxes when sold. Since precious metals are treated differently than other investments such as stocks by the IRS, it is wise to consult a professional.
In the UK, investment-grade gold bars and coins produced by the Royal Mint are exempt from VAT, providing investors with an opportunity to diversify their portfolio with physical gold without incurring additional tax burden.
Gains made through these investments are subject to capital gains tax unlike other forms of gold investments due to IRS classification as collectible, meaning gains will be subject to collectors’ rate tax of 28%.
There are ways to minimize capital gains taxes paid on gold investments, including purchasing shares of gold mining companies which are taxed at the same rate as any other stock shares.
Stamp Duty
Though most investments are subject to sales tax, certain forms of gold may be exempt. Investment-grade coins minted by the Royal Mint do not incur sales tax – making them perfect for creating a diversified portfolio. Furthermore, IRA owners can invest in gold-backed ETFs without incurring capital gains taxes; investors should consult a financial advisor for optimal tax efficiency when setting up their gold investments.
The Internal Revenue Service classifies precious metals such as gold as collectibles, so any gains from selling must be reported to them when sold. Gains are calculated by subtracting its fair market value (FMV) from its original cost basis (usually purchase price plus costs associated with acquisition or storage of an item), but losses can offset gains, thus decreasing your tax liability.
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