Gold has a valuable and deep history, making it one of the most respected purchases for investors and collectors. However, some individuals have questions about buying this precious metal, such as what information buyers are required to disclose. You can find out whether purchasing gold anonymously is an option as well as other benefits and purchasing tips that apply to owning gold. The experts in precious metals from First National Bullion, the gold dealers San Diego collectors trust for high-quality service and industry knowledge, have the answers you’re looking for.

Reporting the Purchase

In most cases, you don’t have to report a gold purchase, including if you have the intention to sell the items online or via your brick-and-mortar establishment. However, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires the seller to disclose the purchase for tax purposes. Failing to register the acquisition could lead to legal troubles for sellers. If your order is over a specific amount (typically $10,000), the IRS will generally require you to report the purchase. If you fail to disclose, this is considered criminal activity. Therefore, it would be best to be honest about your purchase and avoid losing the precious metals, having your business shut down, or facing fines and other consequences.

Ask a Trusted Individual

Suppose family members and friends don’t mind disclosing their information on more expensive gold orders. In that case, this is another option you have when trying to remain anonymous. However, you should only use a person you genuinely trust, because once you give the money to this individual to buy the gold, you cannot personally make any claims to get your precious metals after the sale, and it will be difficult to make any accusations of fraud or file a claim against the seller. All actions will need to be handled by the person who made the purchase.

Split Payments

In some cases, buyers think separating an order into different shipments or payment plans means they no longer have to disclose a large purchase. This isn’t true. For example, if your order is for $30,000 of gold but you split that into ten payments of $3,000 each, the entire order is still above the typical nonreporting amount. Therefore, you have to disclose your information. Remember that if you don’t report the purchase, your bank could, and you can face legal consequences.

Jewelry Stores

The type of gold retailer you buy from will play a role when it comes to reporting the purchase or buying the precious metal anonymously. For example, you can go into a pawn shop and purchase gold coins and other items, such as jewelry, and typically sign some document verifying the transaction. However, if you simply want to buy a necklace, gold earrings, or other similar items, most jewelry stores and retailers will make the sale without requiring you to disclose any information. This will vary from store to store and often depends on the purchase amount—more expensive sales could require some type of registration. 

For information on any aspect of buying, selling, and owning precious metals, call on the experts at First National Bullion and Coin. If you’re looking to buy San Diego gold and bullion, you can trust our reputable dealers. We’re a boutique precious metals firm with experienced professionals, and we work hard to keep our investors informed with the most up-to-date market intelligence. If you’re looking to add precious metals to your portfolio, call us today at 858-666-6570.

The statements made in this blog are opinions, and past performance is not indicative of future returns. Precious metals, like all investments, carry risk. Precious metals and coins may appreciate, depreciate, or stay the same in cash value depending on a variety of factors. First National Bullion does not guarantee, and its website and employees make no representation, that any metals for sale will appreciate sufficiently to earn the customers a profit. The decision to buy, sell, or borrow precious metals and which precious metals to purchase, borrow, or sell are made at the customer’s sole discretion