IRS Custody Rules · Fee Examples · June 2026
The short answer
For gold IRA storage rules, the short answer is: the IRS requires that IRA-eligible precious metals be held in the physical possession of a qualified IRA custodian or trustee— not by you at home or under your personal control. The key tax risk is the IRS “collectibles” framework under IRC §408(m), which can create adverse consequences if the custody structure is not followed. In practice, compliance means a depository that holds metals under the custodian’s arrangement.
The controlling rule
Gold IRA storage rules are really about custody and physical possession. The IRS explains that certain precious-metals bullion and coins can be held in an IRA only within the collectibles rules framework, and the bullion carve-out depends on physical possession by a trustee or custodian.
| Question | What it requires | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Metal eligibility | Metal must be IRS-eligible under the collectibles carve-out | IRC §408(m); IRS collectibles guidance |
| Custody and possession | Custodian or trustee must have physical possession through the depository arrangement | IRS guidance; 26 CFR §1.408-2 |
See IRS: Investments in collectibles in individually directed qualified plan accounts and Treasury regulation 26 CFR §1.408-2.
Common mistake
Generally, no. The IRS precious-metals carve-out depends on physical possession by the qualified custodian or trustee — not by you personally. Taking the metal home, even temporarily, can mean the arrangement no longer fits that custody structure and may create adverse tax consequences.
If the answer to the last question is yes, stop and verify the custody chain before proceeding.
Two different gates
Even perfect storage does not fix a bad asset choice. The IRS still cares whether the metal itself is eligible under the IRA rules and whether it is held through the proper trustee/custodian structure. A metal can be “securely stored” and still be the wrong kind of asset for an IRA.
The IRS separates collectibles (generally disallowed or tax-problematic in individually directed qualified accounts) from certain precious metals allowed only if they meet the relevant requirements, including custody and physical possession rules. The compliance question is not just “Is it gold?” It is:
Storage types
Segregated and non-segregated storage mainly affect how the depository organizes and identifies your metal. They can change your fee, paperwork, and traceability, but they do not replace the IRS requirement that the metals be held in the custodian or trustee’s physical possession. “Segregated storage = IRS compliant” is a common myth.
| Feature | Segregated | Non-segregated |
|---|---|---|
| Product tracking | Your specific bars/coins identified | Pooled with similar holdings |
| Fee | Usually higher | Usually lower |
| IRS compliance | Still requires proper custody | Still requires proper custody |
| Typical paperwork | More specific | Simpler |
Real fee examples
Example 1: Delaware Depository (DDSC)
Example 2: Camaplan
Fee reading guide
Compare the full “cost stack,” not just the storage line item.
Regulator warnings
FINRA warns that self-directed IRA arrangements involving physical metals can be vulnerable to fraud and misrepresentation. The safest approach is to verify who holds the metal, where it is stored, and how fees line up with actual custody.
FAQ
For a Gold IRA, storage rules are really about custody and physical possession. IRS guidance states that certain precious-metals bullion and coins can be held in an IRA only within the collectibles rules framework, and that the bullion carve-out depends on physical possession by a trustee or custodian. See IRS guidance on investments in collectibles in individually directed qualified plan accounts.
Generally, no. The IRS precious-metals carve-out depends on physical possession by the qualified custodian or trustee, not by you personally. Taking the metal home, even temporarily, can mean the arrangement no longer fits that custody structure and may create adverse tax consequences.
Not by itself. Segregation affects how the depository organizes and identifies your metal — it does not replace the IRS requirement that the metals be held in the custodian or trustee's physical possession. Your compliance still depends on the IRS-eligible bullion/coin requirements and the custodian's controlled physical possession.
Segregated storage means your bars or coins are kept separate from other customers' holdings, with easier identification and clearer tracking, but higher fees. Non-segregated (commingled) storage means the depository may store similar holdings together. From an IRS standpoint, the key question is whether the custodian or trustee has the required physical possession — not which storage type you chose.
Delaware Depository's Non-Commercial Account Agreement (accessed June 13, 2026) lists non-segregated storage at 0.50% of total dollar value (with a $180/bar example for 100-oz gold bars) and segregated storage at an additional fee. These are examples from that specific agreement — confirm current pricing directly.
FINRA warns that self-directed IRA arrangements involving physical metals can be vulnerable to fraud and misrepresentation. The safest approach is to verify who holds the metal, where it is stored, and how fees line up with actual custody — not just what a salesperson says.
Camaplan's Precious Metals Fee Schedule (accessed June 13, 2026) shows an annual insurance/storage component of account value × 0.0017, with a $120 minimum and $280 maximum. Segregated storage is available at an additional fee. Confirm current pricing directly from Camaplan.
Ask: Is the storage fee based on account value, bar count, or a flat rate? Is there a minimum or maximum fee? Does segregated storage cost more? Is insurance included or billed separately? Are fees charged even if the metal has not yet been received? What happens if I later move the IRA?