Gold IRA in Webb County, Texas
Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission when a reader opens an account through links on this page. The commission has no effect on what you pay or on what we publish. We are not a financial or tax advisor; consult a licensed advisor for your situation. Last reviewed July 2026.
Short on time? The essentials
- A gold IRA is a self-directed IRA holding IRS-approved physical precious metals. Silver, platinum, and palladium are permitted alongside gold.
- Laredo is the county seat of Webb County, located on the Texas-Mexico border. Any U.S. resident can open a gold IRA with any IRS-approved custodian, regardless of location.
- Texas has no state personal income tax. Gold IRA distributions for Webb County residents are taxed at the federal level only, with no Texas state income tax added on top.
- Federal employees and contractors in Webb County, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Border Patrol agents, hold TSP accounts. A TSP can be rolled into a self-directed IRA after separation from federal service, or in some cases through an in-service withdrawal after age 59 and a half.
- Annual new contributions are capped at $7,500 for the 2026 tax year ($8,600 for age 50 or older). Rollover amounts from eligible plans are not subject to that cap.
- Metal must be held at an IRS-approved depository, not at home. The Texas Bullion Depository in Leander, operated by Lone Star Tangible Assets, received IRS nonbank trustee approval in 2023 and offers in-state IRA storage for Texas residents.
- Fixed annual fees (custodian plus storage) typically run $250 to $600 per year. On a smaller account, those fixed costs represent a higher percentage of your balance. That ratio is the single most important financial check before you open.
- Harry’s Coins is a Texas editorial authority. We do not have a store or office in Webb County or Laredo.
On this page
- What a gold IRA means for Webb County residents
- Texas advantages for Webb County gold IRA holders
- Which metals go in a gold IRA
- How to open a gold IRA from Webb County
- Fees to budget for
- Where the metal is actually stored
- Worked example: a Webb County TSP rollover
- When a gold IRA is not the right move
- Frequently asked questions
What a gold IRA means for Webb County residents
A gold IRA is a self-directed individual retirement account that holds physical precious metals instead of stocks or bonds. The IRS calls this a self-directed IRA, or SDIRA. It operates under the same contribution limits, distribution rules, and federal tax treatment as any other IRA.
The custodian of an SDIRA must be an IRS-approved nonbank trustee or a bank acting as trustee. The custodian holds the account, executes metal purchases with a dealer you select, and arranges delivery to an IRS-approved depository. Physical metal never passes through your hands without triggering a taxable distribution.
Webb County is the home of Laredo, one of the busiest international trade ports in the United States. The county has a large federal workforce: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, and related agencies employ thousands of residents. Those employees typically hold Thrift Savings Plan accounts. A TSP is one of the most straightforward account types to roll into a gold IRA after separation from federal service.
Location does not restrict which gold IRA you can open. A Webb County resident uses the same national pool of custodians, dealers, and depositories as any other U.S. resident. Texas residency affects one important variable: how distributions are taxed at the state level (answer: they are not).
Texas advantages for Webb County gold IRA holders
Texas does not impose a state personal income tax. Article 8, Section 24 of the Texas Constitution, reinforced by Proposition 4 in 2019, requires a two-thirds supermajority of the Legislature and a statewide referendum before any state personal income tax could be enacted. That makes the protection unusually durable.
For a Webb County resident, the result is a shorter tax stack at distribution time. A required minimum distribution, an early withdrawal, or a Roth conversion from a gold IRA is reported on federal Form 1099-R and taxed on federal Form 1040. No Texas state return covers personal IRA income. No Texas withholding is requested on the distribution form.
The difference is most visible against high-tax states. A California retiree taking a large distribution may owe up to 13.3 percent in state income tax on top of the federal rate. A Webb County retiree taking the same distribution owes $0 to Texas. Over a 20-plus-year retirement, that gap adds up to a real difference in after-tax income for your family.
The second Texas advantage is the Texas Bullion Depository in Leander, approximately 220 miles north of Laredo. It is the only state-administered and state-audited precious-metals depository in the United States. Lone Star Tangible Assets, the depository operator, received IRS approval as a nonbank trustee in 2023. That approval allows IRA-titled metal to be held at the depository under SDIRA accounts.
Equity Trust Company is currently the first custodian publicly coordinating with the depository for IRA assets, per the depository’s own IRA storage page. Verify current custodian relationships and fee schedules at texasbulliondepository.gov before signing.
Which metals go in a gold IRA
IRC Section 408(m) sets the eligibility floor. Collectibles are prohibited inside an IRA, but Congress carved out an exception for bullion and certain coins that meet minimum fineness standards. The term “gold IRA” is informal. The account can hold gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, as long as each meets the threshold for its metal type.
| Metal | Minimum fineness | IRA-eligible examples | Common exclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | .995 (99.5%) | American Gold Buffalo, Canadian Gold Maple Leaf, gold bars from NYMEX/COMEX-approved refiners | South African Krugerrand (.9167, below the floor), most numismatic/graded coins |
| Gold (statutory exception) | .9167 (22-karat) | American Gold Eagle (proof and bullion), named in IRC 408(m)(3)(A) regardless of fineness | No other 22-karat gold coin shares this exception |
| Silver | .999 (99.9%) | American Silver Eagle (statutory exception), Canadian Silver Maple Leaf, silver bars from approved refiners | Pre-1965 “junk” silver coins (no fineness guarantee) |
| Platinum | .9995 (99.95%) | American Platinum Eagle, Canadian Platinum Maple Leaf, platinum bars from approved refiners | Platinum coins below .9995 fineness |
| Palladium | .9995 (99.95%) | American Palladium Eagle, Canadian Palladium Maple Leaf, palladium bars from approved refiners | Palladium coins below .9995 fineness |
Source: IRC Section 408(m)(3). Bars must be produced by a NYMEX/COMEX-approved, LBMA-approved, or national-mint-accredited refiner. Proof coins are eligible if held in their original mint packaging with a certificate of authenticity. Checked June 2026.
The American Gold Eagle is the most widely held coin worth understanding on its own terms. Its gold content is .9167 (22-karat), below the .995 general floor. Congress named it explicitly in the statute in 1997, making it IRA-eligible by law regardless of its fineness. The South African Krugerrand is also 22-karat but receives no such exemption.
Numismatic or graded coins bought for their collectible premium are not eligible. The practical standard is that IRA metal should derive its value from metal content, not from rarity or collector demand. High-premium proof coin sets carry real eligibility and cost risk worth discussing with your custodian before purchase.
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.
How to open a gold IRA from Webb County
The process follows the same five-step sequence for any U.S. resident. Webb County-specific context is noted where it applies, particularly for TSP account holders.
- Confirm your funding source. Identify the account you plan to use: a TSP, 401(k) from a former employer, existing traditional IRA, Roth IRA, 403(b), or 457(b). Federal workers in Webb County with a TSP can roll to a gold IRA after separating from federal service, or via an in-service withdrawal if they are age 59 and a half or older. A current employer’s plan generally cannot be rolled while you are still employed unless the plan allows in-service withdrawals. Confirm your plan’s specific rules before proceeding.
- Choose an IRS-approved self-directed IRA custodian. Custodians that specialize in precious metals include Equity Trust Company, STRATA Trust Company, GoldStar Trust Company, Madison Trust, and others. Compare annual fees, account minimums, and whether they coordinate with the depositories you want to use. Equity Trust currently coordinates with the Texas Bullion Depository for IRA assets.
- Open the SDIRA and initiate the rollover or transfer. Complete the custodian’s account application. For a TSP or 401(k) rollover, request a direct rollover so the plan sends funds directly to the new custodian (Code G on Form 1099-R). A direct rollover has no federal income tax withheld and carries no 10 percent penalty. The 60-day clock and 20 percent mandatory withholding that apply to indirect rollovers are avoided entirely.
- Select IRS-approved precious metals with a dealer. The custodian executes the purchase based on your instructions. Confirm the metal meets the fineness standards in the table above. Get written confirmation of the exact product, fineness, and price before funds move.
- Arrange delivery to an IRS-approved depository. The dealer ships metal directly to the depository. It never passes through your hands. Webb County residents can choose from national depositories (Delaware Depository, Brinks, CNT, IDS) or the Texas Bullion Depository in Leander, approximately 220 miles to the north. Segregated storage holds your specific metal separately and returns the exact pieces to you at distribution.
Fees to budget for
Gold IRA costs run in layers. Each layer is paid to a different party: the custodian, the depository, and the dealer. None appear on your statement the way mutual fund expense ratios do. Understanding each fee line before opening is the most important financial step in the process.
| Fee type | Who charges it | What it covers | Typical range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Account setup fee | Custodian | Opening the SDIRA and processing the initial rollover or transfer paperwork | $0 to $300 (one-time) |
| Annual custodian fee | Custodian | Account administration, record-keeping, IRS reporting (Forms 5498 and 1099-R), and transaction processing | $75 to $300 per year |
| Storage fee | Depository | Secure vault storage, insurance, and audits. Segregated storage costs more than commingled. | $100 to $300 per year or 0.1% to 0.3% of account value annually |
| Dealer markup | Precious metals dealer | The spread between the spot price and what you pay for the metal. Varies by product type and dealer. | 1% to 5% over spot for common bullion; much higher for proof or premium coins |
| Transaction fee | Custodian or dealer | Charged per buy or sell transaction inside the account | $0 to $40 per transaction |
| Wire transfer fee | Custodian | Moving funds in or out by bank wire | $0 to $40 per wire |
Fee ranges compiled from custodian fee schedules published by Equity Trust, STRATA Trust, GoldStar Trust, and Madison Trust, checked June 2026. These are ranges across providers; actual fees depend on the custodian and depository you select. Always request the full fee schedule in writing before opening an account.
The chart below shows why account size matters so much in the gold IRA fee equation. Fixed annual costs (custodian plus storage) do not scale with your account value, but their drag on net returns does.
Texas gold IRA fee-drag calculator
Texas gold IRAs charge mostly flat dollar fees (setup, annual custodian, storage). Flat fees take a much bigger bite out of a small account than a large one. Enter your numbers to see the drag.
Estimate only. Fee amounts vary by provider and are often not published; enter figures you confirm in writing. This tool ignores metal price changes and the dealer spread, which also affect returns. Not financial advice.
Picking a company that explains every fee up front is the first step. Get the free gold IRA company checklist.
Where the metal is actually stored
IRS rules require that precious metals held in an IRA be in the physical possession of a bank or an IRS-approved nonbank trustee. Keeping gold IRA metal at home or in a personal safe deposit box constitutes a taxable distribution.
The case of McNulty v. Commissioner (2021) is the landmark ruling on this point. The Tax Court held that a taxpayer who took home delivery of IRA gold coins had effectively distributed the entire account value in the year of delivery, triggering income tax and penalties on the full amount.
For Webb County residents, the primary depositories in use for gold IRAs are:
- Delaware Depository (Wilmington, DE): One of the most widely used SDIRA depositories. Works with most major self-directed IRA custodians. Fully insured, with segregated or commingled storage options.
- Brinks Global Services (multiple U.S. locations): Large global logistics and security firm with multiple custodian relationships for segregated precious metals storage.
- CNT Depository (Bridgewater, MA): Used by several gold IRA dealers and custodians. IRS-approved for IRA metal storage.
- International Depository Services / IDS (Delaware and Texas): Has a Texas facility in addition to its Delaware location, keeping metal in-state for Texas residents who prefer that.
- Texas Bullion Depository (Leander, TX): The state-run option, approximately 220 miles north of Laredo. Operated by Lone Star Tangible Assets under IRS nonbank trustee approval received in 2023. Currently coordinated primarily with Equity Trust Company for IRA storage. Class 3 vault, Texas Comptroller oversight, Lloyd’s of London insurance, segregated storage only.
Choosing the Texas Bullion Depository is a personal preference, not a financial requirement. The depository does not change the federal tax treatment of your IRA. It offers state-audited oversight and a government-run counterparty structure that some holders prefer for long-term peace of mind. Verify the current fee schedule and custodian relationships at texasbulliondepository.gov before signing.
Worked example: a Webb County TSP rollover
When a gold IRA is not the right move
Cases where the gold IRA math works against you:
Small account balance. On a $15,000 account, $175 in custodian fees and $150 in storage fees represent over 2 percent annual drag before any dealer markup. That level of fixed-cost pressure is difficult to overcome.
Short time horizon. If you expect to need the funds within five years, the dealer markup on the buy side plus another markup on the sell side compresses your window. Gold IRAs are best suited as long-hold positions within a broader retirement strategy.
Premium or proof coins with heavy markups. Some dealers push proof coin sets with markups of 30 to 100 percent over spot. The Texas no-income-tax advantage disappears quickly against that entry cost. Common bullion products with markups near spot are the safer starting point.
Early withdrawal before age 59 and a half. The federal 10 percent additional tax on most early distributions applies regardless of Texas residency. On a $50,000 early withdrawal, the federal penalty alone is $5,000 before ordinary income tax is added. The gold IRA early withdrawal page covers the statutory exceptions in detail.
TSP still active with a current federal employer. An active federal employee cannot roll a TSP balance into an outside IRA while still employed, except via an in-service withdrawal available only after age 59 and a half. Separating from federal service first unlocks the full rollover. Verify your status with TSP.gov before initiating any transfer.
Pension lump-sum not yet elected. Some Webb County residents may qualify for a separate public pension (state or local). A defined-benefit monthly annuity cannot be rolled into any IRA. Only a lump-sum refund of your own contributions, available upon separation before you elect the annuity, may be rollable. Confirm with your specific plan before assuming eligibility.
Frequently asked questions
Does Texas tax gold IRA distributions for Webb County residents?
No. Texas does not impose a state personal income tax. A gold IRA distribution taken by a Webb County resident, whether a required minimum distribution, an early withdrawal, or a Roth conversion, is taxed by the federal government only. There is no Texas state income tax return for personal IRA income and no Texas withholding request on Form 1099-R. Source: Texas Constitution, Article 8, Section 24, as amended by Proposition 4, 2019.
Can I roll my TSP into a gold IRA after retiring from CBP or Border Patrol?
Yes. After separating from federal service, a former CBP or Border Patrol employee can roll a TSP balance into a self-directed IRA. The direct rollover method sends funds from TSP directly to the receiving custodian (Code G on Form 1099-R), avoiding the 20 percent mandatory withholding and the 60-day clock that apply to indirect rollovers. Federal tax owed on a direct rollover: $0. Texas adds no state tax. Confirm your separation status and rollover options at TSP.gov before initiating.
Can I roll my TSP while I am still employed as a federal worker in Webb County?
Only in limited circumstances. Active federal employees cannot roll a TSP balance into an outside IRA while still employed, with one exception: an in-service withdrawal is available to employees age 59 and a half or older. For employees younger than that, the full rollover option opens upon separation from federal service. Source: TSP.gov, “Withdrawals and Distributions” section, checked June 2026.
Where would my gold IRA metal be stored if I live in Webb County?
At an IRS-approved depository, not at your home. Options include the Delaware Depository, Brinks, CNT, IDS (which has a Texas location), and the Texas Bullion Depository in Leander, approximately 220 miles north of Laredo. The Texas Bullion Depository is state-run and state-audited, operated by Lone Star Tangible Assets under IRS nonbank trustee approval received in 2023. Equity Trust Company is currently the first custodian coordinating with the depository for IRA storage.
What is the minimum to open a gold IRA?
There is no IRS-mandated minimum. In practice, custodians and dealers often set minimums between $5,000 and $25,000, and some set them at $50,000 or higher. On smaller balances, fixed custodian and storage fees represent a high annual percentage of the account value. The fee drag chart on this page illustrates that relationship at four balance levels.
Can I hold silver, platinum, or palladium alongside gold in the same account?
Yes. The account can hold any IRS-approved precious metal: gold at .995 or finer (with the American Gold Eagle as a statutory exception at .9167), silver at .999 or finer, platinum at .9995 or finer, and palladium at .9995 or finer. The term “gold IRA” is informal. A more precise name is “precious metals IRA” or “self-directed IRA holding precious metals.”
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). Two options satisfy an RMD from a gold IRA. First, sell metal inside the account for cash. Second, take an in-kind distribution: the actual metal transfers to you at its fair market value on the distribution date, treated as taxable income at that value.
For Webb County residents, the RMD is taxed federally only, with no Texas state layer added. Source: SECURE 2.0 Act, IRS Publication 590-B, checked June 2026.
Is there a penalty for withdrawing from a gold IRA before age 59 and a half?
Yes. The federal 10 percent additional tax applies to most early distributions from any IRA type, including a gold IRA. The distribution is also treated as ordinary income at your federal marginal rate. Texas adds no state tax, but the federal penalty stands regardless of Texas residency.
Common exceptions include disability, substantially equal periodic payments under IRC 72(t), certain unreimbursed medical expenses above a threshold, and a first-time home purchase up to a $10,000 lifetime limit. Source: IRS Topic No. 558, checked June 2026.
Does the Texas Bullion Depository offer extra tax benefits for my gold IRA?
No. The depository is a storage facility, not a tax-advantaged account structure. IRA tax treatment is governed by federal law and does not change based on where the metal is stored. The Texas Bullion Depository does note that most precious-metals purchases in Texas are exempt from state sales tax, but that applies to personal (non-IRA) purchases, not IRA transactions. Source: texasbulliondepository.gov, checked June 2026.
Ready to compare your options?
If you have at least $50,000 in a rollover-eligible account and want a structured starting point, Augusta Precious Metals publishes a free gold IRA checklist covering the steps from rollover eligibility through depository selection. We earn a commission if you open an account, at no cost to you.
Sources
- Internal Revenue Code Section 408(m). Collectibles prohibition and bullion/coin exceptions. Office of the Law Revision Counsel. uscode.house.gov. Checked June 2026.
- Internal Revenue Service. Publication 590-A: Contributions to Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs). irs.gov/publications/p590a. Checked June 2026.
- Internal Revenue Service. Publication 590-B: Distributions from Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs). irs.gov/publications/p590b. Checked June 2026.
- Internal Revenue Service. Retirement Topics: IRA Contribution Limits. Standard limit $7,500 and catch-up $1,100 for age 50 or older (2026 tax year). irs.gov/retirement-plans. Checked June 2026.
- Internal Revenue Service. Topic No. 558, Additional Tax on Early Distributions from Retirement Plans. irs.gov/taxtopics/tc558. Checked June 2026.
- McNulty v. Commissioner, 157 T.C. No. 10 (2021). Home-storage gold IRA ruling. U.S. Tax Court. ustaxcourt.gov. Checked June 2026.
- Texas Constitution, Article 8, Section 24 (as amended by Proposition 4, November 2019). State personal income tax prohibition. statutes.capitol.texas.gov. Checked June 2026.
- Office of the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Texas Taxes overview. No state personal income tax confirmed. comptroller.texas.gov/taxes. Checked June 2026.
- Texas Bullion Depository. IRA Storage Services. LSTA IRS nonbank trustee approval confirmed 2023; Equity Trust named as first IRA custodian partner. texasbulliondepository.gov. Checked June 2026.
- Texas Legislature. House Bill 483, 84th Regular Session (2015). Texas Bullion Depository Act signed by Governor Abbott on June 12, 2015. capitol.texas.gov. Checked June 2026.
- Internal Revenue Service. Approved Nonbank Trustees and Custodians. List of IRS-approved nonbank trustees including LSTA. irs.gov/retirement-plans. Checked June 2026.
- Thrift Savings Plan. Withdrawals and Distributions. In-service withdrawal rules and post-separation rollover eligibility. tsp.gov. Checked June 2026.