How to Roll Over a 403(b) Into a Gold IRA

A gold IRA is an individual retirement account that allows you to invest in certain types of precious metal coins and bullion. Some individuals want to add investments in gold and other precious metals to their retirement accounts for diversification purposes. A gold IRA can be a way to do this.

Adding gold or other precious metals to diversify your portfolio can be wise. However, the federal government has issued multiple advisories about precious metal fraud schemes. That said, before proceeding, use caution to only work with reputable and licensed or registered investment professionals. 

Am I eligible for a 403(b) gold IRA rollover?

A 403(b) is a retirement account offered to some non-profit entities and public school employees. It works similarly to the 401(k) commonly offered to employees of public companies. An IRA allows individuals to save for retirement without relying on an employer-sponsored plan.  

Just like a 403(b) or a 401(k), an IRA can hold various investments, including cash, stocks, bonds, and other assets. All these retirement accounts aim to help the account holder save and grow money to use when they retire.

Several types of individual retirement accounts (IRAs) exist, including traditional, Roth, SEP, and SIMPLE. A gold IRA is simply an IRA in which the custodian allows investments in eligible precious metals, including certain gold coins and bullion allowed by the IRS. 

A rollover allows you to move the assets in an employer-sponsored retirement plan, like a 403(b), into an IRA. You generally won’t pay taxes on the funds you move into a traditional gold IRA, and your money can continue to grow tax-deferred until you retire and begin taking distributions. 

You may be eligible to take money out of your 403(b) plan and roll it over to an IRA (e.g., a gold IRA) or other plan if you: 

• Are at least 59.5 years of age
• Leave employment with the 403(b) plan sponsor
• Become disabled or die
• Experience a financial hardship

The rules regarding retirement account rollovers can be complex and may have tax implications. So, it’s best to consult with investment and tax professionals before deciding how to proceed.

How to roll over your 403(b) into a gold IRA

If you’re thinking about rolling over your 403(b) into a gold IRA, working with a reputable investment professional is the first step. Only work with companies and individuals who are registered or licensed to offer or hold investments and provide investment advice. 

One of the best ways to see if an investment professional is licensed and registered is to use the search tool provided by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Investing your funds in a gold IRA can be risky, so do your homework and make sure you’re getting expert advice.

After you’ve decided you’re eligible for a 403(b) rollover, here are the general steps you’d take: 

1. Choose a gold IRA custodian. Look for gold IRA custodians experienced in handling gold IRAs with a solid reputation and transparent fee structures. You can compare custodians based on customer reviews, fees, and services. Researching and choosing a custodian can take a few days to a couple of weeks.
2. Initiate the rollover process. Contact your chosen gold IRA custodian and fill out the necessary paperwork to start the rollover process. This typically includes forms that authorize the transfer of funds from your 403(b) account to your new gold IRA. This step will likely take several days.
3. Complete the transfer process. The custodian will work with your 403(b) plan administrator to transfer the funds, which could take several weeks. This can be done via a direct rollover (funds are transferred between accounts) or an indirect rollover (funds are given to you to deposit into the IRA).
4. Direct your custodian to purchase gold. Once the funds are in your new IRA, you can direct your custodian to purchase gold, which could take days or weeks. Ensure the gold is IRS-approved, such as gold coins and bars meeting purity standards, and stored with an IRS-eligible bank or non-bank trustee. 

Rolling over a 403(b) into a gold IRA will likely take several weeks to more than a month from start to finish. This will vary depending on your research, the efficiency of the custodian, and the institutions involved in the transfer.

Direct vs. indirect rollover

Understanding how direct and indirect rollovers differ is crucial:

• Direct rollover: In a direct IRA rollover, the funds move directly from your 403(b) to your gold IRA without you ever touching the money. This method is generally preferred because it avoids potential taxes and penalties.
• Indirect rollover: With an indirect IRA rollover, you receive the funds from your existing account and must deposit them into your gold IRA within 60 days. If you fail to do this, the amount is treated as a taxable distribution, and you may incur penalties.

Generally, a direct rollover is preferred for most situations as it minimizes the risk of taxes and penalties. However, an indirect rollover might be chosen if you need temporary access to the funds, but it requires careful handling to avoid financial penalties. 

Ensuring you meet the 60-day deadline and understanding the tax implications are crucial when considering an indirect rollover.

Expert take: Do you have to roll over all of your 403(b) funds?

Chloe Moore

CFP®

Generally, the IRS does not prohibit partial rollovers of your 403(b) into an IRA. Some plans may require you to roll over the entire balance, while others will allow you to roll over a portion of the account. Check with your plan administrator for details. Either way, keep in mind the percentage of the gold IRA to your total investments to ensure your accounts are diversified. 

Pros and cons of a 403(b) to gold IRA rollover

Rolling over your 403(b) retirement account into a gold IRA can offer several advantages but also has downsides. Take time to thoughtfully consider the pros and cons of using a gold IRA so you can make an informed decision.

Pros

• Diversification of investment portfolio

  Adding qualified investments in gold to your IRA, along with traditional assets, can be a way to diversify your portfolio. Diversification helps protect your retirement portfolio against market volatility and economic downturns.

• Tax benefits

  Similar to other IRAs, a gold IRA may offer tax-deferred growth. You generally won’t pay taxes on your earnings until you start taking distributions when you retire, allowing your retirement investments to grow more efficiently over the long term.

• Tangible assets

  Investments in gold involve physical assets that can provide some investors with a sense of security. It is important to note that precious metals held in a gold IRA must be stored with a bank or non-bank trustee authorized by the IRS.

Cons

• High fees and costs

  Gold IRAs may have higher fees than other IRAs. These fees can include setup fees, storage fees, and custodian fees, which can reduce your overall returns.

• Limited contribution and withdrawal flexibility

  Gold IRAs carry the same contribution limits as other IRAs. For 2024, the annual IRA contribution limit is $7,000, or $8,000 if you’re 50 or older. Plus, early withdrawals before age 59.5 can result in penalties and extra taxes. Note that this limit only applies to contributions, not rollovers.

• Liquidity issues

  Gold is less liquid than other investments like stocks or bonds. Selling gold can take time and may not always fetch the price you desire, especially in times of economic distress. This lack of liquidity can be a problem if you need quick access to your funds​​.

• Risk of fraud and scams

  The gold market is susceptible to fraud and scams, including those related to gold and precious metal IRAs. To avoid losing money to a gold IRA scam, it’s crucial to work with reputable and licensed investment professionals.

While transferring funds from your 403(b) into a gold IRA can be a strategy used to diversify your portfolio, it’s essential to understand the associated fees, liquidity issues, and risks. 

Consulting with a reputable investment professional and conducting thorough research will help ensure this decision fits your risk tolerance and financial goals. Use caution and only work with reputable professionals to safeguard your investment.

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What are the tax implications of a 403(b) gold rollover? 

Rolling over your 403(b) into a gold IRA involves specific tax considerations. Generally, this transaction is tax-free if you’re eligible for a rollover and follow the proper procedures. 

To avoid potential tax penalties, it’s crucial to understand the difference between direct and indirect rollovers. In a direct rollover, the money moves directly from your 403(b) plan to your gold IRA without you ever touching the money. This can be a good way to help avoid penalties.

In an indirect rollover, you receive the funds from your 403(b), which must be deposited into your IRA within 60 days for the transaction to remain tax-free. If you fail to deposit the money into the new IRA within 60 days, the distribution will be taxed as income, and you could incur an early withdrawal penalty. 

Given the complexities and potential tax implications of rolling over a 403(b) into a gold IRA, working with a tax professional is highly recommended. They can help ensure the rollover is completed correctly, allowing you to take full advantage of the tax benefits while avoiding penalties​.