If you live in Delaware, you have two main options for buying gold: driving to a local coin shop or opening a tax-advantaged Gold IRA online. While it feels safer to "hold it in your hand," Delaware residents often pay a premium for that privilege—both in markups and potential taxes.
Delaware: Tax-Friendly for Gold
Delaware exempts precious metals bullion from sales tax, making local purchases more affordable. However, you still miss out on IRA tax advantages.
1. Gold & Silver Tax Laws in Delaware
Delaware Tax Rules
Delaware has no state sales tax at all, making it one of the most favorable states for purchasing physical precious metals. This applies to all purchases—bullion, numismatics, and jewelry. No exemptions needed because there's nothing to exempt. However, you still miss out on the tax-deferred growth that a Gold IRA provides.
*Tax laws can change. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation. A Gold IRA avoids state sales tax entirely by purchasing through a custodian.
Delaware Depository Options
Delaware is home to Delaware Depository, one of the premier precious metals storage facilities in the United States, used by many Gold IRA custodians.
2. The Danger of "Home Storage" in Delaware
Many Delaware residents ask: "Can I buy gold and keep it in my safe at home?"
The answer is yes, you can—but not with IRA money. If you try to do a "Home Storage Gold IRA" (sometimes called a Checkbook IRA) without strict compliance, you risk:
- Immediate distribution: The IRS treats it as a taxable withdrawal
- 10% early withdrawal penalty if you're under 59½
- IRS audit disqualification of your entire IRA
- No insurance coverage: Homeowner's policies typically cap precious metals at $200-$1,000
Storage Warning for Delaware Residents
Delaware's location in the Mid-Atlantic hurricane zone exposes it to significant storm risk. Coastal flooding affects much of this low-lying state. The state's small size also means limited local storage options. Many Delaware residents choose depositories in neighboring states or major financial centers for their precious metals.
3. Local Delaware Coin Shops vs. National Gold IRAs
Should you buy from a dealer in your city or work with a national firm?
| Feature | Local Coin Shop | National Gold IRA |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Higher overhead = Higher premiums | Volume pricing = Lower premiums |
| Sales Tax | Exempt in Delaware | No sales tax (IRA purchase) |
| Tax Benefits | None (post-tax money) | Tax-deferred or tax-free (Roth) |
| Selection | Limited to current inventory | All IRS-approved bullion |
| Storage | Your responsibility (risky) | Insured depository included |
| Insurance | Limited homeowner's coverage | Full Lloyd's of London coverage |
Top-Rated Gold IRA Companies Serving Delaware
These nationally-licensed Gold IRA dealers serve Delaware residents and handle all IRA paperwork, custodian setup, and secure storage:
Augusta Precious Metals
Best for: High-net-worth investors ($50k+) who want education-first approach
A+ BBB Rating | Zero Complaints | Serves Delaware
Goldco
Best for: First-time investors ($25k minimum) with excellent hand-holding
A+ BBB Rating | 5,000+ 5-Star Reviews | Serves Delaware
Noble Gold Investments
Best for: Smaller accounts ($20k) & Texas storage option
A+ BBB Rating | Low-Pressure Sales | Serves Delaware
4. Next Steps for Delaware Investors
If you're ready to protect your retirement with gold, here's the process:
- Request a free kit from one of the companies above to learn about pricing and process
- Speak with a specialist who can answer your questions (no obligation)
- Choose your metals from IRS-approved gold, silver, platinum, or palladium
- Fund your IRA via rollover (401k, existing IRA) or direct contribution
- Metals ship to depository where they're stored securely in your name
The entire process typically takes 2-3 weeks. Your specialist handles all the paperwork with your existing retirement account custodian.
Delaware Residents: Protect Your Retirement
Compare the top Gold IRA companies serving Delaware. Get free investor kits with no obligation.
Compare Top Companies
Written By
Thomas Richardson
Thomas is a former wealth manager with 20+ years of experience. He founded Rich Dad Retirement to expose the flaws of traditional "paper asset" retirement planning and educate Americans on the stability of physical precious metals.