Gold IRA in Johnson County, Texas
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Short on time? The essentials
- A gold IRA is a self-directed IRA holding IRS-approved physical precious metals instead of stocks or bonds. Silver, platinum, and palladium are also allowed alongside gold.
- Johnson County lies south of Fort Worth in the DFW Metroplex. The county seat is Cleburne (population 31,849). Burleson, Joshua, Alvarado, Keene, and Grandview are other major communities.
- Texas has no state personal income tax. All gold IRA distributions for Johnson County residents face federal tax only, with no Texas income tax layer added.
- Eligible rollover sources include a 401(k) from a former employer, traditional IRA, Roth IRA, 403(b), 457(b), TSP, and a lump-sum refund of your own contributions from TMRS or another Texas public plan after separation.
- Metal must be held at an IRS-approved depository, not at home. One Texas option is the Texas Bullion Depository in Leander, operated by Lone Star Tangible Assets and approved for IRA storage in 2023.
- Annual costs layer together: setup fee plus custodian fee plus storage fee plus dealer markup at purchase. On a $100,000 account, $400 in combined annual fees equals a 0.40 percent drag before markups.
- Harry’s Coins is a Texas editorial authority. We have no store or office in Johnson County, Cleburne, Burleson, or anywhere in Texas.
On this page
What a Gold IRA Is for Johnson County Residents
A gold IRA is a self-directed individual retirement account holding physical precious metals instead of conventional assets like stocks, bonds, or mutual funds. The IRS defines these accounts under IRC Section 408(m), which sets fineness and custody rules for metals held inside an IRA.
The term "gold IRA" is informal. The proper name is a self-directed IRA (SDIRA) holding precious metals. The same account structure can hold IRS-approved gold, silver, platinum, and palladium products. Nothing about the account is limited to one metal.
For Johnson County residents in Cleburne, Burleson, Joshua, Alvarado, or elsewhere in the county, the account works identically. There is no local dealer or custodian requirement. You choose an IRS-approved custodian anywhere in the country, fund the account, and direct the custodian to purchase approved metals from a licensed dealer.
Metal purchased inside the SDIRA goes directly from the dealer to an IRS-approved depository. You do not take personal possession. Taking possession without following IRS in-kind distribution rules constitutes a taxable distribution and triggers the 10 percent early-withdrawal penalty if you are under age 59 and a half.
Texas Has No State Income Tax: What It Means for Your Gold IRA
Texas is one of nine states with no state personal income tax. This distinction matters at every taxable event in a gold IRA: contributions, distributions, Roth conversions, and required minimum distributions.
When a Johnson County resident takes a distribution from a traditional gold IRA, the distribution is taxed as ordinary federal income. There is no Texas state income tax return for individuals, no Texas withholding code on Form 1099-R, and no Texas tax on IRA income. The federal rate depends on your total taxable income for the year.
For states with high income tax rates, such as California at 13.3 percent or New York at up to 10.9 percent, a gold IRA distribution in retirement carries a meaningful state tax cost on top of the federal rate. Johnson County retirees avoid that layer entirely. Consult a tax advisor for your specific situation before making any distribution decisions.
The Texas Comptroller's office confirms that Texas imposes no personal income tax under the Texas Tax Code. IRA distributions, pension income, and Social Security income are all excluded from Texas taxation. This advantage keeps the after-tax value of IRA distributions higher for Texas residents compared to residents of high-tax states.
How to Open a Gold IRA: A Johnson County Walkthrough
Opening a gold IRA follows the same federal process regardless of where in Texas you live. The five steps below apply to Johnson County residents funding through a rollover or new contribution.
- Confirm rollover or contribution eligibility. If you have a 401(k) from a former employer, a traditional IRA, or another eligible plan, a direct rollover into an SDIRA is the most common funding method. New annual contributions are capped at $7,500 for 2026 ($8,600 if you are age 50 or older). TMRS and other defined-benefit pensions generally do not allow rollover of an ongoing monthly annuity; contact your plan administrator to confirm eligibility.
- Choose an IRS-approved self-directed IRA custodian. Custodians specializing in precious metals include Equity Trust Company, STRATA Trust, GoldStar Trust, and Madison Trust. Compare annual fees, account minimums, and their depository relationships. Equity Trust currently coordinates with the Texas Bullion Depository for IRA assets.
- Open the SDIRA and initiate the rollover or transfer. Request a direct rollover so funds move from your existing plan directly to the new custodian. A direct rollover is reported on Form 1099-R with Code G and is not a taxable event. It avoids the 60-day clock and 20 percent mandatory withholding that apply to indirect rollovers.
- Select IRS-approved metals with a licensed dealer. Choose products meeting IRC Section 408(m) fineness standards. The American Gold Eagle is a statutory exception at .9167 fineness. Get written confirmation of product, fineness, and price before funds move.
- Arrange delivery to an IRS-approved depository. The dealer ships metal directly to the depository under your SDIRA account number. For Johnson County residents, options include the Delaware Depository, Brinks, CNT Depository, IDS (with a Texas facility), and the Texas Bullion Depository in Leander, roughly 155 to 175 miles from Cleburne and Burleson. Metal cannot come to your home without triggering a taxable distribution.
IRA-Eligible Metals: Fineness Standards and Approved Products
IRC Section 408(m)(3) sets the fineness floor for precious metals held in an IRA. Products below these thresholds are classified as collectibles and are prohibited in an IRA. A prohibited-transaction purchase can trigger full distribution treatment of the amount spent.
| Metal | Minimum fineness | Common approved products | Notable exclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | .995 (statutory exception: American Gold Eagle at .9167) | American Gold Eagle, American Gold Buffalo (.9999), Canadian Gold Maple Leaf (.9999), Austrian Philharmonic (.9999), PAMP Suisse bars | South African Krugerrand (.9167, not a statutory exception), numismatic coins |
| Silver | .999 | American Silver Eagle, Canadian Silver Maple Leaf (.9999), Austrian Silver Philharmonic (.999), 100 oz bars from approved refiners | Pre-1965 US "junk" silver, coins below .999 fineness |
| Platinum | .9995 | American Platinum Eagle, Canadian Platinum Maple Leaf, PAMP Suisse platinum bars | Products below .9995 not otherwise excepted by statute |
| Palladium | .9995 | Canadian Palladium Maple Leaf, Palladium bars from LBMA-approved refiners | Products below .9995 not otherwise excepted by statute |
Source: IRC Section 408(m)(3); IRS Publication 590-A, checked June 2026.
Proof coins are eligible if they meet the applicable fineness standard and are in their original mint packaging with the certificate of authenticity. A custodian can reject a purchase if you cannot provide fineness documentation from the refiner or mint.
The Texas Bullion Depository as an IRA Storage Option
The Texas Bullion Depository is an agency of the State of Texas. It is the only state-administered and state-audited precious-metals depository in the United States. The facility is located in Leander, Texas, north of Austin, in a purpose-built 40,000-plus square foot building on a roughly 10-acre campus.
Governor Greg Abbott signed the law establishing the depository on June 12, 2015. The facility has been operational since 2017. It is operated by Lone Star Tangible Assets (LSTA) under contract with the state. The depository stores gold, silver, platinum, palladium, and rhodium for individuals, institutions, and IRA accounts.
For IRA storage, LSTA operates under an IRS nonbank trustee approval. Equity Trust Company currently coordinates with the Texas Bullion Depository for clients seeking in-state IRA storage. Verify the current process, fees, and custodian relationships directly with LSTA or your chosen SDIRA custodian before relying on any specific arrangement, as these details can change. The depository's official site is texasbulliondepository.gov.
From Johnson County, Leander is roughly 155 to 175 miles by road. Cleburne to Leander is approximately 157 miles and a 2.6-hour drive; Burleson to Leander is approximately 172 miles and a 2.9-hour drive. Physical proximity does not affect IRA account operations. All purchases and storage arrangements are handled by the custodian on your behalf.
One practical note: the Texas Bullion Depository's website notes that most precious-metals purchases in Texas are exempt from Texas sales tax. This exemption applies to personal purchases, not to IRA assets, which are held by the custodian. The depository does not change the federal tax treatment of IRA assets.
Gold IRA Costs: What Johnson County Residents Pay
Gold IRA costs fall into four categories: account setup, annual custodian fee, annual storage fee, and dealer markup at purchase. All four apply regardless of where you live in Texas. There are no Johnson County-specific fees or state surcharges.
| Cost type | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Account setup fee | $0 to $300 | One-time; some custodians waive it on larger accounts |
| Annual custodian fee | $100 to $300 | Flat or tiered; covers recordkeeping and IRS reporting (Forms 5498 and 1099-R) |
| Annual storage fee | $100 to $300 | Flat or percentage-of-value; segregated storage typically costs more than commingled |
| Dealer markup at purchase | 2% to 8% over spot | Varies by dealer and product; paid at purchase, not annually |
Source: published fee schedules from Equity Trust Company, STRATA Trust, GoldStar Trust, and Madison Trust, checked June 2026.
Fixed annual fees create a meaningful drag on smaller accounts. On a $30,000 account with $400 in combined custodian and storage fees, the fee drag is 1.33 percent of account value per year before any dealer markup. On a $100,000 account, that same $400 in fees drops to 0.40 percent. The chart below shows how the fee-to-balance ratio changes across three account sizes.
Check Your Rollover Eligibility
Before initiating a rollover or new contribution, confirm that your source account qualifies. The calculator below helps you assess the most common retirement account types and whether a direct rollover into a self-directed IRA is permitted under current IRS rules.
Rollover eligibility check
Can you roll your account into a gold IRA? Eligibility checker
Most retirement money can move into a gold IRA once it is an eligible rollover distribution. Pick your account and situation for a general answer. Always confirm the specifics with your plan administrator or custodian.
General guidance only, not tax or financial advice. Eligibility depends on your specific plan document and IRS rules; confirm with your plan administrator and a tax advisor. A direct trustee-to-trustee transfer avoids the 60-day rule and 20% withholding.
Picking a company that explains every fee up front is the first step. Get the free gold IRA company checklist.
A note on Texas public pensions: TMRS (Texas Municipal Retirement System) is a defined-benefit pension. An ongoing monthly annuity from TMRS cannot be rolled into an IRA. If TMRS allows a partial lump-sum option (PLSO) or a refund of your own contributions after separation, that amount may qualify for rollover.
Confirm the specifics with TMRS directly. City of Cleburne and City of Burleson employees participate in TMRS; Grandview, Joshua, Alvarado, Keene, and other Johnson County municipalities also participate where they have joined TMRS.
When a Gold IRA Is a Bad Idea for Johnson County Residents
This section has no CTA. It exists to help you make an informed decision.
Your account balance is under $25,000. Fixed annual custodian and storage fees, typically $300 to $500 combined, represent 1.2 to 2.0 percent of a $25,000 account every year before any dealer markup. That fee drag makes it difficult for the account to generate real value. Most custodians and dealers also set purchase minimums that are impractical at that balance.
You need liquidity within five years. Precious metals inside an IRA cannot be sold instantly. The process requires contacting the custodian, placing a sell order, waiting for settlement, and receiving a distribution. If you will need these funds for a major expense in the near term, an IRA holding illiquid physical assets is not the right structure.
You are under age 59 and a half with no qualifying exception. An early distribution from a traditional gold IRA triggers ordinary federal income tax plus a 10 percent federal penalty on the distributed amount. Texas imposes no state penalty, but the federal cost is real. See IRS Publication 590-B for the full list of exceptions.
You expect to stay in a low tax bracket through retirement. A gold IRA inside a traditional account defers taxes. If your expected retirement tax rate is similar to your current rate, the deferral advantage is limited. A Roth IRA or a taxable brokerage account holding precious-metals ETFs may produce a better after-tax outcome in some situations. Consult a licensed tax advisor for your specific circumstances.
Your employer plan offers an in-service rollover but you are still working. Most 401(k) and 403(b) plans do not allow rollover to an outside IRA while you are still employed, except after age 59 and a half or in limited hardship situations. Verify your plan documents before starting any rollover process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Texas tax gold IRA distributions for Johnson County residents?
No. Texas has no state personal income tax. A distribution from a traditional gold IRA taken by a Johnson County resident is taxed by the federal government only. There is no Texas income tax return for individuals, no Texas withholding code on Form 1099-R, and no state tax layer on IRA income.
Can I use a TMRS account to fund a gold IRA?
Not directly. TMRS is a defined-benefit pension paying a monthly annuity. An ongoing annuity cannot be rolled into an IRA. If TMRS offers a partial lump-sum option at retirement or a refund of your own contributions after leaving employment, that lump sum may qualify for rollover. Contact TMRS at tmrs.com to confirm your specific options before taking any action.
Can I roll over a 401(k) from a Johnson County employer into a gold IRA?
In most cases, yes, after you separate from employment. A 401(k) held at a former employer can be directly rolled into a self-directed IRA with no federal tax owed and no Texas state tax. Some plans allow in-service rollovers after age 59 and a half. Check your plan documents or call the plan administrator to confirm eligibility.
Where would my gold IRA metal be stored?
At an IRS-approved depository, never at home. Taking physical possession of IRA metal without following the in-kind distribution rules constitutes a taxable distribution. Options include the Delaware Depository (Wilmington, DE), Brinks Global Services, CNT Depository (Bridgewater, MA), International Depository Services (with a Texas facility in Dallas), and the Texas Bullion Depository in Leander. The Texas Bullion Depository is state-run and roughly 155 to 175 miles from most Johnson County communities.
What is the minimum account size to open a gold IRA?
The IRS sets no minimum. In practice, most custodians and dealers require $5,000 to $50,000 to open a precious-metals IRA. On balances below $25,000, fixed annual fees represent a significant percentage of account value, which reduces the practical return. Augusta Precious Metals, for example, works with accounts at a minimum that aligns with their education-first onboarding process; contact them directly for current minimums.
Can I hold silver, platinum, or palladium alongside gold in my IRA?
Yes. The account can hold gold at .995 or finer (American Gold Eagle is a statutory exception at .9167), silver at .999 or finer, platinum at .9995 or finer, and palladium at .9995 or finer. The informal term "gold IRA" simply refers to the account structure. All four IRS-approved metals can coexist inside a single self-directed IRA.
How are required minimum distributions handled in a gold IRA?
RMDs begin at age 73 for those born between 1951 and 1959, and at age 75 for those born in 1960 or later (starting in 2033 under SECURE 2.0). To satisfy an RMD from a gold IRA, you either sell metal and distribute cash or take an in-kind distribution of physical metal at fair market value. For Johnson County residents, any taxable RMD is taxed federally only.
Does the Texas Bullion Depository change how my IRA is taxed?
No. The depository is a physical storage facility, not a tax-advantaged structure. IRA tax treatment is governed entirely by federal law and does not change based on where the metal is stored. The depository's website notes that most precious-metals purchases in Texas are sales-tax exempt, but that exemption applies to personal purchases, not to assets held inside an IRA.
Sources
- IRS Publication 590-A, Contributions to Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs), updated 2026, checked June 2026.
- IRS Publication 590-B, Distributions from Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs), updated 2026, checked June 2026.
- Internal Revenue Code Section 408(m)(3), Treatment of individual retirement accounts, via Cornell Law School LII, checked June 2026.
- SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 (Division T of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023), RMD age changes, checked June 2026.
- Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Texas Taxes and Individual Taxpayers, confirming no personal income tax in Texas, checked June 2026.
- Texas Bullion Depository, Official state site, confirming location (Leander, TX), operator (Lone Star Tangible Assets), and metals stored, checked June 2026.
- H.B. 483, 84th Texas Legislature, signed by Gov. Greg Abbott on June 12, 2015, establishing the Texas Bullion Depository under Texas Government Code Chapter 2116.
- Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS), tmrs.com, pension plan structure and rollover guidance for separated members, checked June 2026.
- IRS Tax Court Memorandum, McNulty v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo. 2021-122, ruling on home-storage gold IRA as taxable distribution, checked June 2026.
Considering a gold IRA from Johnson County?
Augusta Precious Metals publishes a free company checklist explaining what to verify before opening any precious-metals IRA. It covers fees, custodian selection, depository options, and what Augusta's onboarding process looks like. No purchase is required to request it.
Request the Augusta company checklist (opens in a new tab; Harry’s Coins may earn a commission if you open an account).