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In short, the French are gold hoarders, the greatest in Europe by far and the British are not. French citizens hold approximately 10 times the amount of gold that is in the UK national reserve.
You can easily find online resources that track gold prices over time, with some even offering inflation-adjusted charts. However, if you’re looking for quick buying and selling, physical gold might not be the best option. Dealers typically add premiums starting at around 5%, meaning you’ll pay above the market price. When it comes time to sell, especially to dealers (which is often recommended for new stackers), you may receive less than the spot price. So, if you’re considering short-term trading over days, weeks, or even months, gold may not suit your objectives. Alternatives like ETFs or stocks that mirror gold’s price movements can avoid premiums, although you wouldn’t own the physical asset—just a financial product.
Gold, traditionally, is viewed more as a store of value than an investment. Over the past few decades, it has performed reasonably well, but there have been long periods, such as 50 years, where its price didn’t increase. You could even find 20-year stretches where you might lose money, a scenario far more likely than if you were investing in the stock market. Gold tends to have a negative correlation with stocks, which is a potential advantage during market downturns, though it’s worth noting that bonds, which were once considered a hedge, have often performed poorly during recent stock market slumps.
As a comparison, if you invest £10,000 in the stock market, you’d likely see a solid return over 10 years, even if a crash happens along the way. The market tends to recover over a decade. Gold, on the other hand, is supposed to maintain value over centuries, but it is highly volatile in the shorter term. If the price of gold remains stagnant for a decade and then crashes, you could lose money, and recovery could take an extended period.
Gold is not conventionally regarded as a solid investment. Most workplace pensions, for example, are not invested in gold. While some enthusiasts or “goldbugs” advocate for it, mainstream investors like Warren Buffett have little or none of their portfolios in gold, despite his father being a proponent of it.
2023: Investment gold on the rise.
In 2023, gold demand surged 11% to the highest in over a decade, driven by exceptional investor appetite. Investment demand for gold reached 1,222.6 tonnes, demand for gold bars (802.7 tonnes) and official coins (320.9 tonnes) and 98.9 tonnes for round , rising by 10% year-over-year. Meanwhile, jewellery consumption, one of the biggest components, fell 3% to 2,086 tonnes
Coins tend to be more liquid than bars.
In simpler terms, you’ll likely find it easier to locate a reputable buyer for your gold if it’s in coin form rather than bars. While the difference isn’t massive, in my opinion, the liquidity of coins outweighs the premium savings you might get on bars, which are pretty minimal when it comes to gold.
Gold Is No Safe Investment
It’s crucial to challenge the common belief that gold and other precious metals are secure investments. Despite advertising claims predicting economic instability and promising high returns, these metals are highly volatile, and their past performance doesn’t guarantee future gains. High-pressure sales tactics and doom-and-gloom scenarios can be red flags for potential fraud.
While banks and large investors buy precious metals to hedge against inflation, this doesn’t make them a safe investment for individual investors. The price of these metals fluctuates with demand, and sellers often benefit the most, especially with added premiums, fees, and commissions. For example, fractional premiums can be excessively high on many sites, with some 1/10th American Gold Eagles (AGEs) sold for 40-60% over the spot price but buying always 5 to 10% under spot. If you prefer fractional gold, consider older European gold coins like British Sovereigns, French or Swiss Francs, or Austrian Ducats or Coronas, which often have much lower premiums.
Paper or Physical: Tax Benefits and Storage Challenges for Gold Investment.
If you purchase Gold Britannia coins or smaller Sovereigns in the UK, which are considered legal tender, these coins are completely exempt from both VAT and Capital Gains Tax. This is a stark contrast to the US, where similar coins would be subject to higher taxes, including a special 28% rate for collectibles, compared to the 20% on most large capital gains. In the UK, however, the tax on these coins is zero. The UK has never experienced gold confiscation, and despite various tax reform discussions, there’s been no mention of changing the tax-free status of these coins.
However, if you attempt to buy and sell coins quickly, you’re likely to incur some losses. While ETFs typically have tight trading margins, physical coins do not. The hit isn’t too severe, though. Bullion By Post, one of the largest dealers in the UK, offers to buy coins at 96% of the spot price, meaning you’d lose 4% on the transaction. Since they’ll buy your coins at 4% below spot and sell them at 4% above spot, this spread must be factored into your costs. However, if you’re dealing in large amounts, you might be able to negotiate a better spread by shopping around.
For me, this only enhances the appeal of gold as a hedge, possibly even making it effective with less than 15% of your portfolio allocated to it.
This leads to the next important question: How do you safely store these physical coins? If you’re in FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) territory with significant assets, storing even 5% of your wealth in physical coins in a sock drawer seems like a risky strategy.
UK tax on investment gold.
Value Added Tax Exemption for Investment Grade Gold Since January 1st, 2000.
Since January 1st, 2000, Investment Grade Gold has been exempt from Value Added Tax (VAT) under the VAT Act 1994. This exemption means that purchases of Investment Grade Gold are not subject to VAT, providing a favorable tax treatment for investors in gold. Gold bullion is not subjected to VAT under UK tax regulations, gold bullion is categorized as investment gold and thus qualifies for exemption. HM Revenue and Customs have augmented the European Commission’s list with their own, comprising gold coins eligible for the investment gold coins exemption. Notably, coins minted by The Royal Mint, like Gold Britannias or Gold Sovereigns, are considered legal tender and are exempt from capital gains tax.
When does Capital Gains Tax Apply?
Capital Gains Tax (CGT) applies when you sell assets that have increased in value. The tax is based on the profit made from the sale, not the full value of the asset. If your gains across all investments are below the allowance (e.g. £12,300 for the tax year 2022-2023), no CGT is due. However, if gains exceed this threshold, you’ll need to calculate the amount owed.
he CGT threshold is reviewed annually and as of November 2022 the government intends to reduce this tax-free threshold in the coming year:
Financial Year | CGT Personal Allowance |
2022-2023 | £12,300 |
2023-2024 | £6,000 |
2024-2025 | £3,000 |
CGT rates depend on your taxable income. Within the basic rate tax band (£12,501 to £50,000), you’ll pay 10% tax on gains, and over this, it’s 20%. Bullion investment gains may be subject to CGT rates of 0%, 10%, or 20%. Other investments, like residential property, have higher CGT rates.
To calculate CGT owed:
- Add up gains from all assets disposed of in the financial year.
- Consider applying losses from the current or previous years to offset gains.
- Determine the applicable tax rate based on income and gains.
- Add this amount to your taxable income.
Chattels exemptions and other reliefs are available, but it’s advisable to seek professional guidance. Remember, records of transactions may be kept for seven years, but details aren’t forwarded to HMRC unless requested.
CGT Exemptions for Bullion Coins and Bars in the UK.
In the UK, most gold and silver coins minted domestically are considered legal tender and are exempt from Capital Gains Tax (CGT). Investors can enjoy unlimited tax-free profits on investments in any legal UK currency coins, regardless of size or value. GNotably, all gold, silver, and platinum bullion coins minted by The Royal Mint are categorized as CGT-free investments. This encompasses popular coins such as gold and silver Britannia coins, Sovereigns, and the esteemed Queen’s Beasts range. old sovereigns minted after 1837 they are free from CGT. You can buy them online directly from the royal mint.
Coins which are legal tender in the UK are exempt from CGT.
The Britannia and Sovereign investment coins fall into this category. The UK Customs authority has issued a notice to accountants and financial advisors numbered CG12602 which deals with exemptions and in particular currency in sterling. It refers to:
- TCGA92/S21 (1)(b) which states “Currency in sterling is not an asset for capital gains purposes”.
- Further notice from HMRC is given in CG78308 which states “Sovereigns minted in 1837 and later years and Britannia Gold coins are currency but, like all sterling currency, are exempt because of TCGA92/S21 (1)(b) >Learn more
Which coins are CGT exempt?
Coins designated as UK legal tender enjoy an exemption from Capital Gains Tax (CGT). Bullion coins issued by The Royal Mint are specifically exempt from CGT for UK residents owing to their status as official British currency.
Some of the most well-known coins that are Capital Gain Tax Free include:
- Gold Britannias .
- Gold Sovereigns.
- Queen’s Beasts.
- Tudor Beasts.
- Half and Quarter Britannias.
- Half and Quarter Sovereigns.
Gold Britannia and Sovereign investment quality coins offer a unique advantage to investors because they offer between 18% -28% additional benefits over other investments. Why? … because they are completely exempt from Capital Gains Tax. Furthermore, they are exempt from VAT.
A beautifully struck gold bullion coin that has UK legal tender status and a face value of £100 – although its actual value is many times greater. The Gold Britannia coin was originally alloyed with Copper, but from 1990 the decision was made to alloy with Silver. This is why the earlier Gold Britannia’s have the deep Gold colour, as opposed to the lighter yellow gold colour of the Britannia since 1990. The latest 2013 coins have no alloy and are pure gold and 999.9°/oo fineness.
The full British Sovereign is one of the most recognised gold coins in the world, with UK legal tender status and it can attract a healthy premium as it is always in demand, at home and abroad. Their legendary reputation comes from their use in a pilot’s survival kit by many air forces, being sewn into their jackets and used to negotiate their safe passage home if downed during a mission. The attraction was the integrity of their British origin which provided the utmost trust to their owners.
Choosing between Britannias and Full Sovereigns is a sound strategy, considering they are free from Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and typically offer good margins. While fractional coins like half Sovereigns or quarter Britannias are available, they may be more expensive in terms of the gold you receive compared to their face value. This suggests that investing in full coins might offer better value for your money. |
Gold sovereigns offer a number of advantages for investors: their premiums are remarkably low, especially in the UK where they’re often the cheapest option for fractional gold (around 4.5% premium), and the cost per gram of pure gold is very favorable. They’re also exempt from Capital Gains Tax (CGT), making them even more appealing. Their 22k composition makes them durable enough for rough handling, with some people even carrying one in their wallet as a backup. Sovereigns are highly liquid and recognized worldwide, easy to sell, and boast a rich history. While Victorian sovereigns and older coins can attract a premium and potentially serve as a numismatic investment, selling them to coin shops tends to bring offers closer to spot price, and the spreads on these coins can be significant. For those seeking numismatic value, careful research is required to find rare coins at a bargain, but patience and knowledge of coin rarity and condition can yield significant returns over time, especially with 19th-century sovereigns often selling for multiples of spot price.
What types of bullion are subject to Capital Gains Tax (CGT)?
However, this exemption doesn’t extend to gold and silver bars. Unlike coins, bars lack denomination value and aren’t recognized as legal tender, even if bought within the UK. Consequently, bullion bars are subject to CGT, and investors must be mindful of this when reporting taxable gains under HMRC’s Self Assessment.
CGT applies to all gold, silver, and platinum coins that are not issued by The Royal Mint, as they are not considered UK legal tender. Additionally, CGT is applicable to all gold and silver bullion bars. Consequently, CGT is incurred only upon the sale of gold and silver bullion, and specifically on gains exceeding the threshold for that tax year. It’s important to note that CGT is levied solely on the gains realized, not on the total sale amount of the gold bullion.
If you’ve experienced eligible losses in previous years, you have the option to carry them forward and offset them against any gains. Furthermore, if you’re married and jointly own the asset, you can combine your CGT allowances.
Non-UK coins are not recognized as legal currency in the UK and are categorized as ‘chargeable assets.’ Consequently, any profits from selling such coins within the UK are subject to Capital Gains Tax and must be declared. If you reside in another country, it might be advantageous to purchase coins from that jurisdiction, especially if they are intended for eventual sale there.
Examples of coins subject to Capital Gains Tax in the UK include:
- Krugerrand coins from the South African Mint
- Maple Leaf coins from the Royal Canadian Mint
- Panda coins from the People’s Bank of China
- Philharmoniker coins from the Austrian Mint
- Kangaroo coins from the Perth Mint
- Eagle coins from the United States Mint
Where to buy investment gold in UK?
In the UK, local coin stores (LCS) and precious metals (PM) stores typically have higher premiums. However, they occasionally make pricing mistakes, such as setting a flat price for all Sovereigns. Not all Sovereigns are equal; some, like Gillicks and Shield Backs, carry higher premiums when bought elsewhere. While it’s possible to find good deals at these stores, such opportunities are rare.
Local coin, stamp, or collectible shops often deal in bullion, depending on where you live, and it’s relatively easy to compare markups across dealers. Many of these shops offer discounts for future delivery, where you pay upfront and collect the bullion later. It’s crucial to carefully understand the premium you’re paying, though it’s typically lower than buying from a bank or the mint (but always double-check). I used Kitco to track daily spot prices when buying and still use it for updating my metals portfolio. Once you identify the dealer with the lowest premium, check the previous day’s closing price, call for a quote, and if the spread is favorable, ask them to hold it before making the purchase.
Buying physical gold through bullion dealers is indeed a common practice.
Various reputable dealers available in the UK, certain gold products, such as Sovereigns and Britannias, are VAT-free. Furthermore, an independent seller in the north east often offers slightly better rates than the ‘big names’. Generally, anticipate a 3-5% purchase premium above the spot price for gold coins. It’s advisable not to stick with just one dealer. Different dealers may offer better prices for different coins, especially when considering delivery. Many people also utilize BullionByPost, a reputable bullion dealer. It’s wise to compare prices between dealers and choose the one that offers the best deal for your needs
There are several options you might consider. Atkinsons is widely trusted and known for providing excellent service. They often offer competitive prices, including postage costs. Another option worth exploring is Bullionbypost.co.uk. They typically offer prices close to the spot rate and provide a variety of options. However, it’s worth noting that they may not offer the best rates when selling gold, as other places like Lois Bullion might provide better deals, giving up to 2% more. While Chards and Bairds are reputable options for purchasing gold coins, it’s suggested to avoid the Royal Mint due to their higher prices.
Regarding gold bars, those from Swiss refineries like PAMP Suisse Lady Fortuna and Credit Suisse are popular choices. For those seeking lower prices, generic gold bars are an option, though they may not be in perfect condition. Moreover, exploring options like Swiss 20 franc gold coins and British Sovereigns can provide interesting alternatives.
Several contributors have recommended reputable dealers in UK ih this thread, including Chards, Bullion by Post, the Royal Mint, and BullionStar. Sharps Pixley in London is another choice, known for its Britannia coins and the CGT exemption they offer. Some users even mentioned that Sharps Pixley provides a vault service for storing gold at a modest fee, catering to those who prefer not to keep it at home.
Others have shared positive experiences with Bullion by Post and Royal Mint, highlighting their insured services. However, some express a preference for Bullion by Post due to its streamlined process and a more straightforward approach compared to the Royal Mint’s extensive documentation requirements.
Coincompare.co.uk is a fantastic resource to explore. All the bullion dealers listed there are highly reputable, and you should feel confident using their services. The website offers a comparison of specific coins across all dealers and identifies the best coins for different quantities. While finding a reputable coin (and often stamp) shop in your area is beneficial, especially if they’re reliable, it’s worth noting that we don’t have as many options here in the UK as they do in the States. From my experience, these local shops are the best place to sell too. Joining a local coin club or connecting with them at some point could also be advantageous. In terms of online purchases, I’ve had positive experiences with Baird; they are known for their professionalism. Additionally, I’ve heard great things about BullionByPost.
The Premium on Gold Coins.
In the United Kingdom, the current premium is dependent on source, quantity, supply and demand and currently can range from 5% to over 40% depending on source and condition. But what is this premium for gold coins?
The premium is the difference between the current gold value contained in the coin and the price paid for the coin and is usually expressed as a percentage. The price and premium depend on market factors at the time and are constantly changing.
e.g., a Sovereign may contain gold with a value of £160 but be worth £199 and for a newly minted proof coin £299 . The difference between these two figures, expressed as a percentage, is the premium thus the proof coin is sold at approximately 46% premium
The premium for a coin is linked to several criteria:
- Production: The smaller the coins and the harder they are to produce, the more chance there is that they will have a high premium, this principle that explains why the smaller half sovereign have a higher premium. The quality of a proof coin usually demands a higher premium
- Speculation: the premium changes to reflect supply and demand. In a period where more coins are being sold than are being bought, the premium is zero or slightly negative (in this situation, coins of moderate quality are often melted down). When there is high demand or excess speculation, the premium resulting from this speculation climbs sharply. The premium is therefore a very good indicator of the balance between supply and demand, the latter’s potential and also what actions should be taken. A negative, zero or slightly positive premium should stimulate purchases whilst a high premium of should lead to selling.
Premium = ((Price of coin – Value of gold) / Value of gold) x 100
· Conservation: a quality coin that has no trace of being handled will retain all its premium. Poor conservation conditions (contact with fingers, scratches, wearing…) results in a reduction of 4 – 10% and can lead to a negative premium. When this happens, the coins are melted down and sold for the price of their precious metal
· Geographical location: gold coins are not equally popular in every country and generally speaking coins that were the currency of a country are more popular in that country e.g.: Napoleons are very popular in France but are much less well known in China or the USA and people there prefer to buy local coins the exception is the Sovereign which is the most popular in the UK but also has an international reputation.
· Collectors: some coins are rarer due to them being minted in small numbers or because they have special characteristics related to numismatic rarity criteria. In certain years where very, few coins were minted a sovereign can cost several thousand pounds depending on its rarity and its condition. This value is therefore completely unrelated to the value of the coin’s gold content.
Premium differential: This the differential between the basic (normal) premium and the highest sale price usually in times of crisis where there is great demand.
Gold storage in the UK,
When considering gold storage in the UK, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of different options based on your specific needs and situation.
At-Home Storage: Many people choose to keep their precious metals at home, often in a safe. While this option provides immediate access, it comes with significant risks. Safes can be vulnerable to determined intruders, and hiding spots around your home, while creative, can lead to the metals being forgotten or found by others. Additionally, in the event of a fire, your metals could be lost. Home storage is usually only advisable for a small percentage (e.g., 5-8%) of your total holdings.
Bank Vaults and Private Storage Facilities: Bank vaults are highly secure but tend to be more expensive, though this may have changed since the last cost comparisons were made a few years ago. Private storage companies like Gold.co.uk and Royal Mint offer more specialized services. For example, Royal Mint provides a secure vault service, and Glasgow Vaults offers safe deposit boxes. These options can offer better protection against theft, fire, and other risks.
When choosing a private vault facility, consider factors such as:
- Insurance: Ideally, opt for all-risk insurance that covers mysterious disappearances.
- Ownership and Risk: Ensure there is no counter-party risk. This means your assets are fully owned by you and not tied to the balance sheet of the storage company.
- Segregated Storage: This type of storage keeps your metals separate from others, ensuring they are 100% yours.
Cost Considerations: When choosing storage, do a cost-benefit analysis to ensure the storage fees don’t outweigh the potential returns from holding the metal. For instance, if the cost of the storage is higher than the profit you’d make from the appreciation of the gold, you might need to reconsider your options. Services like BullionVault allow for buying and selling gold with relatively low storage fees, offering a balance between cost and security.
The storage of precious metals is a bit more nuanced. What option to choose certainly varies from person to person, depending on their personal situation, considering factors such as what metals they have, how much, and how safe they want it to be.
Comparing an at-home safe to an ultra-high secure storage facility, and the latter is usually better in terms of protection from criminals. Storing gold or silver off-site can help both the safety of your metals and you.
As well, with the off-site alternative, more extensive insurance, and greater liquidity is possible (meaning you can buy or sell quickly).
In choosing a private vault facility, several considerations are necessary. On the insurance side, ideally, all-risk insurance including mysterious disappearances is offered. Then, you need to assure there is no counter-party risk, meaning you can own your assets outright, and it does not exist on the balance sheet of the company.
For this, segregated storage can be ideal for some. Meaning the metals are 100% yours and separate from other people’s holdings.
The costs associated with storage usually include a recurring storage fee (often annual and a percentage of the value of the metals) and insurance (which may or may not be included in the standard fee).
About selling your gold
Based on experience, refineries and jewelry stores offer the best prices for gold, with refineries typically paying around 96% and jewelers about 92%. Getting 80% from a pawn shop should be considered excellent, as pawn shops in the U.S. rarely pay over 75%. I once sold gold on eBay in lots, and most went for over 90% of spot value, with a few even exceeding 150%. However, keep in mind that selling on eBay incurs additional costs: a 10% eBay fee and a 3.9% PayPal fee.
Avoid selling your gold to “We Buy Your Gold” places, especially if you have 18k scrap. I was offered only 60% of the melt value there, whereas a pawn shop offered me 90%. These places thrive on taking advantage of those who are unaware of better options. In contrast, pawn shops and coin or jewelry repair shops tend to offer more competitive rates. It’s essential to shop around and not accept the first quote you get. Many “We Buy Gold” places might eventually offer a competitive quote, but they won’t start with one. While it’s understandable to feel frustrated for those who accept the first offer, that’s simply how the free market works. This principle applies not just to selling gold, but also to home improvements, car sales, salary negotiations, and more. If someone isn’t willing to get multiple quotes or negotiate, they can’t complain later about missing out on a better deal.
Key Guidelines for Selling Gold
- Never Accept Less than 70% of Market Value:
Reputable dealers will typically offer 70-80% of the market price. They sell to refiners at 90% or higher. If a dealer refuses to disclose the percentage of the spot price, it’s a red flag. - Best Dealers for Bullion:
Authorized bullion dealers are likely to offer the best prices for gold bullion. - Avoid Traveling Gold Buyers:
Many are scams, especially prevalent in places like the UK. It’s best to avoid these buyers.Some dealers might try to undervalue items, citing reasons like “foreign gold.” For example, a 22k gold bracelet worth $4,000 was only offered 35% of its value by a traveling buyer, highlighting the need to deal with reputable sources. - Jewelry and Gold Purity:
Gold jewelry is often made in purities ranging from 10k to 18k, though 24k is sometimes used, it’s rare for everyday wear due to its softness. Jewelry’s resale value is lower because it requires more labor to purify the gold. Aim for no less than 90% of its gold content at spot price when selling, but know that you won’t get the full melt value due to this process. Be cautious, as some buyers offer unfair prices, so it’s important to shop around.
Can i buy gold anonymously in Uk?
buying gold anonymously does not mean that the transaction is illegal. It is entirely legal to buy gold anonymously in the UK.
What are the legal regulations for buying gold anonymously in the UK
In the UK, it is legal to buy and own gold in the form of coins or bars. However, there are some legal regulations that buyers need to be aware of when purchasing gold anonymously. Cash: Dealers typically accept cash, but usually apply a limit of £7,500 per person to comply with UK money laundering regulations. Exceeding this limit may lead to legal complications, so it’s essential to stay within this threshold.
- Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations: According to AML regulations, all clients who purchase in excess of £10,000 per 12-month period, or foreign currency equivalent through a website will be required to complete an AML statement and provide proof of identification.
- Identification requirements: Some gold dealers may require buyers to provide identification if they are buying large amounts of gold.
- The two forms of ID required to make a gold purchase over £10,000: Acceptable forms of identification may include a passport, full UK driving license, UK residency card, or other forms of government-issued identification
It’s important to note that the Regulations 2019 (MLR 2019) require due diligence to be conducted when carrying out an occasional transaction with a customer valued at £10,000 or more. This includes a single cash payment of £10,000 or more for goods, several cash payments for a single transaction totaling £10,000 or more, and cash payments totaling £10,000 or more that appear to have been broken down into smaller amounts to avoid the high-value payment limit. You need to watch out for “ducking” too. If a bank/seller thinks you lowered your amount just to avoid the $10k limit, then they still have to report it. So £9,999 may still get reported; £8,000 probably won’t.
As a former bank teller, there are a looot of things done behind the scenes people don’t realize. Everyone knows the 10k thing, but we also have to report it if it’s just under the limit, especially if we believe it was done intentionally. The 10k is a 24 hour thing too btw, so if you deposit or withdrawal 8k at 10am on Tuesday, and then withdrawal 3k at 9am on Wednesday, it still counts. We also had to watch accounts for atm deposits and withdrawals (kiting risk). Wires are reported on different limits based on if they are domestic or international. Plus, questions are always being asked. Sometimes its obvious, but often it just seems like smalltalk. It may seem like you have a great relationship with your bank, and maybe you do, but tellers are always listening to their gut to flag anything that may be suspicious.
Liam Fox
What is your reason for investing in gold? My personal point of view.
For me, investing in gold goes beyond financial strategy; it’s deeply personal. It’s about safeguarding my hard-earned wealth, ensuring it retains its value even in tumultuous times. Reflecting on the ’90s, when gold was priced at $250/oz, I remember the significance it held, not just as an investment, but as a symbol of stability and security.
Gold is real money, everything else is credit
JP Morgan
My reason for investing in gold would be to diversify my investment portfolio, protect against inflation, benefit from its stability during economic and geopolitical turmoil, and have a tangible asset that can be easily liquidated when needed. Gold has historically maintained its value, acted as a hedge against inflation, and shown a negative correlation with other asset classes, making it a valuable addition to an investment portfolio
I view gold not just as a means of making money, but as a form of insurance against the erosion of fiat currencies. It represents tangible wealth, something I can rely on when the value of traditional currencies fluctuates. Unlike investments tied to the performance of markets, gold stands as a steadfast asset, unaffected by the uncertainties of economic cycles.
Gold for pensions, add physical gold to your SIPP or SSAS
Gold a great plan for a pension. Pension Gold can be bought as a hedge to protect finances in times of economic crisis. It is sold worldwide and whilst the price may fluctuant it is regarded a relatively safe investment. The price of gold is often correlated with crude oil, which over current years has been increasing.
In April 2006, the UK Government updated pension parameters to allow for the investment of physical gold into pensions, supporting the notion of a more balanced, and therefore protected retirement wealth. Relaxed rules also mean a more flexible lifetime limit for contributions, so you can save more when you can afford it. It is also possible with some personal pensions to choose to draw your income direct from the scheme through income withdrawal, subject to limits, rather than cash in and buy an annuity from an insurance company. The new rules now allow income withdrawal to carry on beyond age 75, subject to stricter rules.
SIPP.
The type of pension required to house gold is called a Self Invested Personal Pension (SIPP). These benefit from the flexibility of the updated legislation and can house a mix of traditional paper assets with tangible assets such as commercial property and now investment grade gold.
This can be achieved if you have no current pension provision but want to open a SIPP, or if you have an existing pension which you wish to transfer into the more flexible structure. A SIPP can even be opened alongside existing personal or company schemes to allow versatility.
Investments are chosen by you, and the SIPP provider acts as a fund trustee. When retirement comes, the capital provides an income which can be drawn either directly from the SIPP (subject to limits) or via an annuity purchased from an insurer. The SIPP trustee takes care of wrapping all these investments into one portfolio, while assuring that reporting and legal obligations are met.
Here at Physical Gold, we are a member of the National Association of Pension Funds and have teamed up with an extensive number of the leading alternative asset pension providers to offer you gold in your pension. Our Sipp partners have led the way with offering the most diversity possible into UK pensions, and are expert at handling alternative assets and providing any specific technical assistance.
You can establish a SIPP either directly or by using an Independent Financial Advisor (IFA) of your own to guide you through the risks and rewards of the various asset classes on offer, before you make any decisions. If you proceed, the paper work will be taken care of, and the gold will be stored in a licensed depository on your behalf by the trustee. We operate on a fully allocated and segregated basis, providing you with the ultimate security. Your gold is fully insured through Lloyds of London and is stored to the highest depository standards to maintain the utmost integrity.
There are both initial and ongoing fees associated with opening a SIPP. You should consider the impact of these fees on your level of intended investment before proceeding.
Good Delivery Bars.
The type of gold required for a gold Sipp has to be of purity not less than 995 thousandths, and in the form of a bar. These ‘Good Delivery Bars’ are recognized by the bullion market and the high purity levels mean you own more gold content for your money.
Gold is the only physical commodity you can currently hold directly in a SIPP.
The London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) maintains a list of accredited refiners who produce these bars, and stipulate that these bars be stored in special vaults for integrity and correct handling and storage.
Your gold will be in the form of small 1oz bullion bars, providing you the flexibility to sell any part of your gold holding at any time. These bars are fully allocated to yourselves and segregated from other holders.
Balanced Portfolio.
A SIPP can provide the ultimate flexibility for pensions, and therefore facilitates more balance within your portfolio. More balance, means fewer nasty surprises when other holdings drop in value. Gold is especially appropriate to those entering the last 10 years before retirement who are looking for some protection over their pension value. The current economic downturn has perfectly illustrated how these assets can all move down in value together, shrinking pension pots, and leaving most people concerned about the reduced standard of living they’ll achieve once retired.
It also provides a great hedge against aggressive high yield and emerging market equity schemes – for those a little younger, who are looking for capital growth. Physical gold provides balance for two reasons. Firstly, its characteristics are totally different to paper assets as it has no counter party risk. More obviously, gold tends to rise in value when many of the traditional assets fall, providing the portfolio insurance every pension should have.
Efficient Investment.
The low cost of purchasing gold into a pension is illustrated by two factors.
Gold receives the same tax relief as other qualifying assets when bought as part of a pension. So, for top rate tax payers, that means a whopping 50% off the price of gold.
Secondly, for many of the securities products which dominate pension portfolios, management costs have steadily escalated, eating away at their tax efficiency. Investing in physical gold attracts far lower management fees, less than one tenth of the charge applied to a typical unit trust.
SSAS.
A small self-administered scheme (SSAS) is an occupational pension scheme set up under trust with fewer than 12 members. Since A-day the requirement for a professional trustee has been removed, although the majority of SSASs still employ the services of an independent trustee who is well versed in legislation and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) practice.
The SSAS is as flexible for taking benefits as any pension vehicle available in the market. There can be partial or full crystallization of a member’s fund with a tax-free lump sum payable and pensions can be paid under unsecured pension (USP) before age 75, alternatively secured pension (ASP) after age 75, or indeed by scheme pension.
A SSAS is able to purchase all of the same assets that qualify for a SIPP, so gold bullion is now a viable option for those company schemes seeking balance, growth and protection. For US investors, find out how you can invest into a Gold IRA.
Sipp Investment.
Sipp is a self-invested personal pension that has been approved by the government and allows us to make personal investment decisions from a full range of HM Revenue and Customs approved investments. Gold is an approved method for investing in for a pension plan and Physical Gold can help you find the right self-invested personal pension.
Gold bullion is allowed to be bought, leased or sold within HM Revenue and Customs guidelines and is specifically allowed for in legislation. It is also a great investment plan due to its lack of tax charges. Capital Gains Tax is a tax applied to the gain or profit you make when you sell anything, give away or otherwise dispose of something. Most gold investors never have to pay any Capital Gains Tax as it only applies if you make more than £10,100 of profit in one year. This is not necessarily the amount you sell gold for but how much you make on it.
Sipp Gold
Sipp Gold became an approved investment plan in 2006 and has since seen millions of people buy gold as an asset for their pension. It is possible to invest in gold at any time in your life, at any age as a plan for later life.
Pension Gold Investment
Pension gold investment can be used alongside cash and other assets in order to make as much interest and cash as possible over a long period of time. Physical gold can help you discover how much gold you would like to invest in, the quality and how long of a period of time you would like to buy and sell it over. One of our expert advisors will be here to inform you of the best and worst times to trade gold and to keep track of your sipp gold throughout the whole process.
FAQs
Is it legal to own gold bars in uk?
In both the UK and the US, it is permissible to possess gold bars. The United States lifted its prohibition on lawful gold bullion ownership in 1975, while the UK removed legal restrictions on the amount of gold that UK residents could own in 1979, coinciding with the abolition of other exchange control laws.
The UK’s exchange controls influenced gold ownership by severely limiting the amount of money that British citizens could take out of the UK while these controls were in place. British passports included a final page titled “Exchange Control Act 1947,” which recorded the allowable amount of currency to be taken out of the UK. The legal constraints on the quantity of gold that a UK resident could own were lifted in 1979 when these regulations were abolished, along with other exchange controls.