Tax Avoidance, IRAs, and Precious Metals

A recent Wall Street Journal article, A Couple Stored IRA Gold at Home.  They Owe the IRS More than $300,000, is a reminder about what can be complex rules for using an IRA to invest in esoteric assets, such as gold, silver, platinum, and other precious metals. Precious metals tax avoidance strategies and investment scams proliferate on the internet and social media. These scams are so common that the Commodity Future Trading Commission published a fraud advisory. According to the California Department of Financial Protection & Innovation, Department of Business Oversight Sues to Stop $185 Million Coins Scam that Targeted Senior Citizens | The Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, for example, the business behind metals.com targeted senior citizens through advertisements on conservative media and websites. Metals.com, according to the state, used fear tactics to pressure seniors to purchase overpriced coins through self-directed IRAs. The promotion of self-directed IRAs to hold esoteric or alternative investments is common in precious metals investing scams. These scams often combine bad tax advice with bad investment advice. They also often charge high fees, which in some cases are not disclosed. In some instances, the people and entities behind the investments are unlicensed. The Wall Street Journal article makes it clear that an investor considering using an IRA to invest in precious metals would be wise to obtain professional advice.


This blog is intended to provide information to the general public and to practitioners about developments that may impact Oregon Investments.

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Cody Berne

Cody Berne is an attorney at Stoll Berne in Portland. Cody’s practice focuses on representing investors who lost money because of fraud and other misconduct, class actions, and business litigation. He is an active member of the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association.

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The information contained in this blog does not constitute legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. We make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to this blog.