Precious Metals Investment Disclosure
Use the Precious Metals IRA Investment Direction form to provide investment directions to GoldStar Trust Company (GoldStar) for the purchase or sale of precious metals by your self-directed IRA. The IRA may be a Traditional IRA (including SEP or Conduit), Roth IRA, or SIMPLE IRA. By directing investment in precious metals, you acknowledge and agree to GoldStar’s terms and conditions for
precious metals investment in self-directed IRAs. Please note: your first precious metals purchase must be a minimum of $5,000.
REQUIREMENTS
To invest in precious metals through a self-directed IRA, you must first establish a valid IRA and have cash available in the IRA. Obtain application kits and forms from GoldStar, a dealer, or www.goldstartrust.com. Cash comes from contributions, transfers and rollovers from other IRAs, rollovers from Qualified Retirement Plans (such as a 401k), or from the sale of other assets.
DEALER AND INVESTMENT DIRECTIONS
You determine the precious metals dealer to be used for your IRA. GoldStar does not offer investment products, and does not buy or sell precious metals. GoldStar is disqualified by the Internal Revenue Code from trading with an IRA for which it is the custodian. GoldStar is compensated through administrative fees and cash management fees. Negotiate the precious metals to be purchased or sold and the price directly with the dealer and give written directions to GoldStar. GoldStar will make a reasonable effort to notify the dealer when funds arrive. However, it is the customer’s responsibility to monitor IRA assets and investments.
FUNDING NOTICE TO DEALERS
GoldStar’s policy is to notify the dealer you have chosen within 48 business hours of receipt of your investment direction unless otherwise instructed. If you are transferring or rolling over funds to GoldStar from more than one source, it is imperative that you submit a separate investment direction for each transfer request OR direct GoldStar to wait until all funds are received before notice is sent to your dealer. Please notify GoldStar of your intentions on the investment direction form(s), in a separate letter, or by emailing IRAmetals@goldstartrust.com. GoldStar is not liable for pricing changes due to fluctuations in market values for precious metals.
STATEMENTS
Access to your account information is available 24/7 via GoldStar’s web site at www.goldstartrust.com. Please call our Investor Services Department at (800) 486-6888 to establish a password. Additionally, paper statements are mailed semi-annually.
FAIR MARKET VALUES AND PRICING
The valuations (Market Value) of precious metals shown on your Statement of Assets reflect spot value for precious metals. Spot value is the current spot price multiplied by the ounces of fine metal contained in the coin or bar. This value does not take into consideration the variance of price from precious metals dealers. Spot values reported do not include dealer mark-ups, discounts, premiums, or commissions. Spot values should be used as an indication of value only and should not be construed as a firm bid price to buy by any broker or dealer. This price is used for reports of fair market value to the IRS. As a directed IRA custodian, GoldStar holds the precious metals in your account, but GoldStar makes no independent determination of the value and pricing of your precious metals. Current price estimations for bullion and proof products can be obtained from various sources including your dealer or websites such as www.BullionValues.org.
PRICE SPREADS AND PROOF AMERICAN EAGLE COINS
Generally, the value of precious metals at the spot price will be less than the amount paid if precious metals prices have not changed. The difference between the price at which precious metals can be bought and the price at which they can be sold at a particular time is called “price spread”. In addition to bullion coins, “proof” American Eagle coins may be held in an IRA if they are ungraded and not considered to be collectible coins. Proof coins delivered for an IRA must be accompanied by an intact box and packaging with matching certificate of authenticity. Price spread has generally been greater for proof coins than the price spread for bullion precious metals. Obtain all necessary information from your dealer before investing.
STORAGE AND DELIVERY OF PRECIOUS METALS
All precious metals are stored at a specialized depository. A fee is charged for storage based on the calendar year. The full annual charge is due for each full or fractional calendar year during which precious metals are stored. Dealers deliver directly to the depository which issues formal advice of its receipt. GoldStar relies on the accuracy of advice by the depository.
DISTRIBUTION OR SALE OF PRECIOUS METALS
Delivery is required when a customer requests “in kind” distribution of precious metals from the IRA, or directs GoldStar to deliver precious metals to a dealer for sale. The cost of shipment is paid by the customer or deducted from the IRA if shipped to a dealer for sale, or paid COD if sent “in kind” to the customer. Costs include U.S. Postal Service postage and insurance, and packaging by the depository. You may request distribution of precious metals from an IRA at anytime, though IRS taxes and/or penalties may apply. Please contact GoldStar for a Withdrawal Statement or go online at www.goldstartrust.com.
CANCELLATIONS
In the event that either a GoldStar IRA holder or their dealer wishes to cancel a purchase or sale of precious metals after the terms have been settled and instructions are sent to GoldStar, the cancellation must be agreed upon by both parties in writing and submitted to GoldStar within 10 business days. It is the customer’s responsibility to notify GoldStar.