Whether you’re looking to diversify your investment portfolio or want to store away some cash for a rainy day, gold has long been considered a safe haven. Gold coins, bars and jewelry are all popular ways to invest in the precious metal.
However, many people are concerned that their purchases will be reported to the IRS. Thankfully, there are several ways to buy gold without the government knowing.
1. Buy Bullion
Buying physical gold bars is one of the most popular ways to invest in gold. You can buy these at online retailers, pawn shops and some jewelry stores. The gold should be stamped with the manufacturer, purity and weight to ensure that you’re getting legitimate gold bullion.
Bullion is not tracked electronically by the government like stocks and bonds are. However, if the government does have access to your banking records or if you’re investing in CBDCs (Central Bank Digital Currencies), then they may be able to see the amount of gold you own.
Dealers must report cash purchases of gold that exceed $10,000, which was put in place to prevent money laundering activities by people hoarding gold. However, there is no reporting requirement for gold purchased with a check or bank wire of any size.
2. Buy Coins
Gold has been used as money for thousands of years because it is divisible, durable, and intrinsically valuable. However, buying precious metals in the form of coins can also come with disadvantages. First, coin shops tend to charge higher premium rates than online dealers for overhead expenses. Second, any cash transactions that exceed $10,000 must be reported for accounting and taxation purposes.
Fortunately, purchasing physical gold through a coin shop or jewelry store may not require the disclosure of personal information, depending on the retailer. Regardless of which type of retail establishment you choose, make sure that you are only purchasing investment-quality gold bars that are 99.5% pure or higher. This is the minimum purity requirement that allows you to hold gold in a retirement account.
3. Buy Jewelry
If you’re buying jewelry, the type of store or retailer can play a role in whether or not the purchase is reported. Pawn shops, for example, usually require you to sign a document verifying your purchase and may report more expensive sales to the IRS.
Another consideration when buying jewelry is how you plan on storing and protecting your precious metals. You can keep your gold bars at home, though storing them in a safe that’s specifically designed for precious metals is recommended as they are more likely to be protected against theft and environmental damage. You can also consider storing them at an authorized precious metals depository or vault. Alternatively, you can store them in your bank’s secure deposit box. Your purchases will still be traceable if you buy online or with a credit card, however.
4. Buy From a Trusted Dealer
The type of gold dealer you purchase from plays a key role in whether or not your purchase is reportable. Many gold dealers, including pawn shops, are required to report any cash sales over $10,000 and will require you to sign or verify your name for the transaction.
However, some dealers think they can trick customers by breaking up a large purchase into multiple shipments or payment plans to avoid having to report the sale. This is not a foolproof strategy, and can lead to serious consequences.
When shopping for gold, look for reputable dealers with third party ratings and a long history of client reviews. Also, make sure they offer transparent storage solutions and insurance. This will help you avoid hidden fees and costs and protect your investment from potential theft.
5. Buy From a Family Member
Gold has a place in cultural heritage and is often saved by family members. If you want to buy gold anonymously and keep it in your own possession, consider asking family members if they have any old jewellery that they no longer wear.
However, this method is not foolproof. For one thing, you could end up dealing with a less-reputable dealer who inflates the value of their product. You might also be subject to high transaction fees when you try to sell the gold.
Additionally, you will still need to report the sale to the IRS. The best way to avoid this is to shop at a reputable dealer that you can trust. This way, you’ll know that the gold you’re buying is legitimate.