Asset Preservation and Distribution Specialist Tom Eaglehouse recently explained what every retiree should know about buying gold before purchasing it.

Greensburg, PA – March 1, 2013 – Tom Eaglehouse, Founder of The Estate and Elder Planning Center, recently discussed the difference between reportable and non-reportable gold investment and why the distinction is important. Mr. Eaglehouse explains:

There are tax consequences to getting this wrong and there are other government issues to consider.  The key discussion should be: What is a reportable vs. a non-reportable commodity purchase? Gold & Silver Bullion of any size is a REPORTABLE commodity.  So, if you are fearful of the economy, or a possible future demise of the dollar, this money is “on the radar.”

In 1933, the U.S. dollar was convertible to gold, rendering the government incapable of printing more money, as it is apt to do today. With fiscal discipline enforced by this convertibility, our faithful politicians (even back then) did the next best thing — they promptly confiscated American citizens’ gold, via executive order 6102 (signed by Franklin Delano Roosevelt), while remunerating them for the then-fair market value of $20.67 an ounce. Upon the successful completion of its gold confiscation, the U.S. government adopted the Gold Reserve Act in January 1934, which revalued the nominal price of gold from $20.67 to $35.00 per troy ounce. What a risk-free profitable trade for the federal reserve!

Mr. Eaglehouse continued by providing an anecdote explaining why it’s important to ask whether a purchase is reportable or non-reportable:

Let’s say you have a shady seller who sells you a 32.15 oz Johnson Gold Kilo Bar for $56,100 today and does NOT report it as required. Five years later gold hits $5,000 an ounce (awesome for you !), BUT that dealer is gone. With more governmental enforcement, all buyers of gold will report (because they will face this same tax nightmare on their purchase if they don’t) and they enter you into the system with a $160,750 sale. What’s your capital gain?

Since you “worked” the system and stayed off the radar by getting a seller to not report; your basis is $0.00 Now when you sell you are taxed on a $160,750 gain – this is NOT subject to debate – this is fact and it is easily researched – you’ll pay 20% (or, the then current capital gain tax rate). Buying reportable commodities sets you up for tax scrutiny (FYI, I am not suggesting you buy non-reportable metals to avoid taxes – you are subject to gains and losses, but, the record keeping is your responsibility).

In addition, as you can see from above, the government tracks reportable commodities and the last go around proved that the seller (the American public) got a lousy deal. Does it make sense to buy gold coins?

For more information on how Tom Eaglehouse can help, please visit www.estateandelderplanning.net.

About Tom Eaglehouse:

Tom Eaglehouse began his career working in personal finance, followed by sales and management. He created and operated a successful small business for eleven years and in 2003 he began working with seniors after witnessing firsthand what a debilitating illness can do to a family.

The Estate and Elder Planning Center was created to help families better prepare for life’s unexpected situations. Being able to provide a family a solution and peace of mind is what drives Tom’s passion for assisting seniors and those who love them.

Tom is also a member of the National Ethics Association and is working toward certification as an Estate and Trust Specialist™.