☆ How to invest and buy gold in UK: A beginner’s 2024 guide.

If you’re aiming for quick buying and selling turnovers, physical gold might not be your best bet. Dealers, where I’d recommend new stackers to purchase from, usually slap on premiums starting at around 5%. Essentially, you’re looking at paying a 5% markup above the current market price of gold. When it comes to selling back to dealers, which is also the preferred avenue for new stackers, you might end up receiving less than the spot price. So, in short, if you’re eyeing short-term trading spanning days, weeks, or months, gold might not align with your objectives. You might want to explore ETFs, stocks, and other instruments mirroring gold price movements without incurring premiums, although you wouldn’t technically own physical gold, just a pf piece of paper.

2023: Investment gold on the rise.

In 2023, gold demand surged 11% to the highest in over a decade, driven by exceptional investor appetite. Investment demand for gold reached 1,222.6 tonnes, demand for gold bars (802.7 tonnes) and official coins (320.9 tonnes) and 98.9 tonnes for round , rising by 10% year-over-year. Meanwhile, jewellery consumption, one of the biggest components, fell 3% to 2,086 tonnes

Coins tend to be more liquid than bars.

In simpler terms, you’ll likely find it easier to locate a reputable buyer for your gold if it’s in coin form rather than bars. While the difference isn’t massive, in my opinion, the liquidity of coins outweighs the premium savings you might get on bars, which are pretty minimal when it comes to gold.

UK tax on investment gold.

Value Added Tax Exemption for Investment Grade Gold Since January 1st, 2000.

Since January 1st, 2000, Investment Grade Gold has been exempt from Value Added Tax (VAT) under the VAT Act 1994. This exemption means that purchases of Investment Grade Gold are not subject to VAT, providing a favorable tax treatment for investors in gold. Gold bullion is not subjected to VAT under UK tax regulations, gold bullion is categorized as investment gold and thus qualifies for exemption. HM Revenue and Customs have augmented the European Commission’s list with their own, comprising gold coins eligible for the investment gold coins exemption. Notably, coins minted by The Royal Mint, like Gold Britannias or Gold Sovereigns, are considered legal tender and are exempt from capital gains tax.

When does Capital Gains Tax Apply?

Capital Gains Tax (CGT) applies when you sell assets that have increased in value. The tax is based on the profit made from the sale, not the full value of the asset. If your gains across all investments are below the allowance (e.g. £12,300 for the tax year 2022-2023), no CGT is due. However, if gains exceed this threshold, you’ll need to calculate the amount owed.

he CGT threshold is reviewed annually and as of November 2022 the government intends to reduce this tax-free threshold in the coming year:

CGT rates depend on your taxable income. Within the basic rate tax band (£12,501 to £50,000), you’ll pay 10% tax on gains, and over this, it’s 20%. Bullion investment gains may be subject to CGT rates of 0%, 10%, or 20%. Other investments, like residential property, have higher CGT rates.

To calculate CGT owed:

1. Add up gains from all assets disposed of in the financial year.
2. Consider applying losses from the current or previous years to offset gains.
3. Determine the applicable tax rate based on income and gains.
4. Add this amount to your taxable income.

Chattels exemptions and other reliefs are available, but it’s advisable to seek professional guidance. Remember, records of transactions may be kept for seven years, but details aren’t forwarded to HMRC unless requested.

CGT Exemptions for Bullion Coins and Bars in the UK.

In the UK, most gold and silver coins minted domestically are considered legal tender and are exempt from Capital Gains Tax (CGT). Investors can enjoy unlimited tax-free profits on investments in any legal UK currency coins, regardless of size or value. GNotably, all gold, silver, and platinum bullion coins minted by The Royal Mint are categorized as CGT-free investments. This encompasses popular coins such as gold and silver Britannia coins, Sovereigns, and the esteemed Queen’s Beasts range. old sovereigns minted after 1837 they are free from CGT. You can buy them online directly from the royal mint.

Coins which are legal tender in the UK are exempt from CGT.

The Britannia and Sovereign investment coins fall into this category. The UK Customs authority has issued a notice to accountants and financial advisors numbered CG12602 which deals with exemptions and in particular currency in sterling. It refers to:

• TCGA92/S21 (1)(b) which states “Currency in sterling is not an asset for capital gains purposes”. 
• Further notice from HMRC is given in CG78308 which states “Sovereigns minted in 1837 and later years and Britannia Gold coins are currency but, like all sterling currency, are exempt because of TCGA92/S21 (1)(b) >Learn more 

Which coins are CGT exempt?

Coins designated as UK legal tender enjoy an exemption from Capital Gains Tax (CGT). Bullion coins issued by The Royal Mint are specifically exempt from CGT for UK residents owing to their status as official British currency.

Some of the most well-known coins that are Capital Gain Tax Free include:

• Gold Britannias .
• Gold Sovereigns.
• Queen’s Beasts.
• Tudor Beasts.
• Half and Quarter Britannias.
• Half and Quarter Sovereigns.

Gold Britannia and Sovereign investment quality coins offer a unique advantage to investors because they offer between 18% -28% additional benefits over other investments. Why? … because they are completely exempt from Capital Gains Tax. Furthermore, they are exempt from VAT.

A beautifully struck gold bullion coin that has UK legal tender status and a face value of £100 – although its actual value is many times greater. The Gold Britannia coin was originally alloyed with Copper, but from 1990 the decision was made to alloy with Silver. This is why the earlier Gold Britannia’s have the deep Gold colour, as opposed to the lighter yellow gold colour of the Britannia since 1990. The latest 2013 coins have no alloy and are pure gold and 999.9°/oo fineness.

The full British Sovereign is one of the most recognised gold coins in the world, with UK legal tender status and it can attract a healthy premium as it is always in demand, at home and abroad. Their legendary reputation comes from their use in a pilot’s survival kit by many air forces, being sewn into their jackets and used to negotiate their safe passage home if downed during a mission. The attraction was the integrity of their British origin which provided the utmost trust to their owners.

What types of bullion are subject to Capital Gains Tax (CGT)?

However, this exemption doesn’t extend to gold and silver bars. Unlike coins, bars lack denomination value and aren’t recognized as legal tender, even if bought within the UK. Consequently, bullion bars are subject to CGT, and investors must be mindful of this when reporting taxable gains under HMRC’s Self Assessment.

CGT applies to all gold, silver, and platinum coins that are not issued by The Royal Mint, as they are not considered UK legal tender. Additionally, CGT is applicable to all gold and silver bullion bars. Consequently, CGT is incurred only upon the sale of gold and silver bullion, and specifically on gains exceeding the threshold for that tax year. It’s important to note that CGT is levied solely on the gains realized, not on the total sale amount of the gold bullion.

If you’ve experienced eligible losses in previous years, you have the option to carry them forward and offset them against any gains. Furthermore, if you’re married and jointly own the asset, you can combine your CGT allowances.

Non-UK coins are not recognized as legal currency in the UK and are categorized as ‘chargeable assets.’ Consequently, any profits from selling such coins within the UK are subject to Capital Gains Tax and must be declared. If you reside in another country, it might be advantageous to purchase coins from that jurisdiction, especially if they are intended for eventual sale there.

Examples of coins subject to Capital Gains Tax in the UK include:

• Krugerrand coins from the South African Mint
• Maple Leaf coins from the Royal Canadian Mint
• Panda coins from the People’s Bank of China
• Philharmoniker coins from the Austrian Mint
• Kangaroo coins from the Perth Mint
• Eagle coins from the United States Mint

Where to buy investment gold in UK?

Buying physical gold through bullion dealers is indeed a common practice.

Various reputable dealers available in the UK, certain gold products, such as Sovereigns and Britannias, are VAT-free. Furthermore, an independent seller in the north east often offers slightly better rates than the ‘big names’. Generally, anticipate a 3-5% purchase premium above the spot price for gold coins. It’s advisable not to stick with just one dealer. Different dealers may offer better prices for different coins, especially when considering delivery. Many people also utilize BullionByPost, a reputable bullion dealer. It’s wise to compare prices between dealers and choose the one that offers the best deal for your needs

There are several options you might consider. Atkinsons is widely trusted and known for providing excellent service. They often offer competitive prices, including postage costs. Another option worth exploring is Bullionbypost.co.uk. They typically offer prices close to the spot rate and provide a variety of options. However, it’s worth noting that they may not offer the best rates when selling gold, as other places like Lois Bullion might provide better deals, giving up to 2% more. While Chards and Bairds are reputable options for purchasing gold coins, it’s suggested to avoid the Royal Mint due to their higher prices.

Regarding gold bars, those from Swiss refineries like PAMP Suisse Lady Fortuna and Credit Suisse are popular choices. For those seeking lower prices, generic gold bars are an option, though they may not be in perfect condition. Moreover, exploring options like Swiss 20 franc gold coins and British Sovereigns can provide interesting alternatives.

Several contributors have recommended reputable dealers in UK ih this thread, including Chards, Bullion by Post, the Royal Mint, and BullionStar. Sharps Pixley in London is another choice, known for its Britannia coins and the CGT exemption they offer. Some users even mentioned that Sharps Pixley provides a vault service for storing gold at a modest fee, catering to those who prefer not to keep it at home.
Others have shared positive experiences with Bullion by Post and Royal Mint, highlighting their insured services. However, some express a preference for Bullion by Post due to its streamlined process and a more straightforward approach compared to the Royal Mint’s extensive documentation requirements.

Coincompare.co.uk is a fantastic resource to explore. All the bullion dealers listed there are highly reputable, and you should feel confident using their services. The website offers a comparison of specific coins across all dealers and identifies the best coins for different quantities. While finding a reputable coin (and often stamp) shop in your area is beneficial, especially if they’re reliable, it’s worth noting that we don’t have as many options here in the UK as they do in the States. From my experience, these local shops are the best place to sell too. Joining a local coin club or connecting with them at some point could also be advantageous. In terms of online purchases, I’ve had positive experiences with Baird; they are known for their professionalism. Additionally, I’ve heard great things about BullionByPost.

Storage

The storage of precious metals is a bit more nuanced. What option to choose certainly varies from person to person, depending on their personal situation, considering factors such as what metals they have, how much, and how safe they want it to be.

Many opt for keeping their gold, silver, or other physical holdings at home. Often in a safe located within their house. Others get more creative, including secret hiding spots or burying it in their yard. Keeping a certain (small e.g. 5-8%) percentage of the metal you own rarely if ever, presents a problem. However, storing most or all of your precious metals at home may be unwise, depending on your setup and situation.

Comparing an at-home safe to an ultra-high secure storage facility, and the latter is usually better in terms of protection from criminals. Storing gold or silver off-site can help both the safety of your metals and you.

As well, with the off-site alternative, more extensive insurance, and greater liquidity is possible (meaning you can buy or sell quickly).

In choosing a private vault facility, several considerations are necessary. On the insurance side, ideally, all-risk insurance including mysterious disappearances is offered. Then, you need to assure there is no counter-party risk, meaning you can own your assets outright, and it does not exist on the balance sheet of the company.

For this, segregated storage can be ideal for some. Meaning the metals are 100% yours and separate from other people’s holdings.

The costs associated with storage usually include a recurring storage fee (often annual and a percentage of the value of the metals) and insurance (which may or may not be included in the standard fee).

Can i buy gold anonymously in Uk?

buying gold anonymously does not mean that the transaction is illegal. It is entirely legal to buy gold anonymously in the UK.

What are the legal regulations for buying gold anonymously in the UK

In the UK, it is legal to buy and own gold in the form of coins or bars. However, there are some legal regulations that buyers need to be aware of when purchasing gold anonymously. Cash: Dealers typically accept cash, but usually apply a limit of £7,500 per person to comply with UK money laundering regulations. Exceeding this limit may lead to legal complications, so it’s essential to stay within this threshold.

• Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations: According to AML regulations, all clients who purchase in excess of £10,000 per 12-month period, or foreign currency equivalent through a website will be required to complete an AML statement and provide proof of identification.
• Identification requirements: Some gold dealers may require buyers to provide identification if they are buying large amounts of gold.
• The two forms of ID required to make a gold purchase over £10,000: Acceptable forms of identification may include a passport, full UK driving license, UK residency card, or other forms of government-issued identification

It’s important to note that the Regulations 2019 (MLR 2019)  require due diligence to be conducted when carrying out an occasional transaction with a customer valued at £10,000 or more. This includes a single cash payment of £10,000 or more for goods, several cash payments for a single transaction totaling £10,000 or more, and cash payments totaling £10,000 or more that appear to have been broken down into smaller amounts to avoid the high-value payment limit. You need to watch out for “ducking” too. If a bank/seller thinks you lowered your amount just to avoid the $10k limit, then they still have to report it. So £9,999 may still get reported; £8,000 probably won’t.

As a former bank teller, there are a looot of things done behind the scenes people don’t realize. Everyone knows the 10k thing, but we also have to report it if it’s just under the limit, especially if we believe it was done intentionally. The 10k is a 24 hour thing too btw, so if you deposit or withdrawal 8k at 10am on Tuesday, and then withdrawal 3k at 9am on Wednesday, it still counts. We also had to watch accounts for atm deposits and withdrawals (kiting risk). Wires are reported on different limits based on if they are domestic or international. Plus, questions are always being asked. Sometimes its obvious, but often it just seems like smalltalk. It may seem like you have a great relationship with your bank, and maybe you do, but tellers are always listening to their gut to flag anything that may be suspicious.

Liam Fox

What is your reason for investing in gold? My personal point of view.

For me, investing in gold goes beyond financial strategy; it’s deeply personal. It’s about safeguarding my hard-earned wealth, ensuring it retains its value even in tumultuous times. Reflecting on the ’90s, when gold was priced at $250/oz, I remember the significance it held, not just as an investment, but as a symbol of stability and security.

Gold is real money, everything else is credit

JP Morgan

My reason for investing in gold would be to diversify my investment portfolio, protect against inflation, benefit from its stability during economic and geopolitical turmoil, and have a tangible asset that can be easily liquidated when needed. Gold has historically maintained its value, acted as a hedge against inflation, and shown a negative correlation with other asset classes, making it a valuable addition to an investment portfolio

I view gold not just as a means of making money, but as a form of insurance against the erosion of fiat currencies. It represents tangible wealth, something I can rely on when the value of traditional currencies fluctuates. Unlike investments tied to the performance of markets, gold stands as a steadfast asset, unaffected by the uncertainties of economic cycles.

Gold for pensions, add physical gold to your SIPP or SSAS

Gold a great plan for a pension. Pension Gold can be bought as a hedge to protect finances in times of economic crisis. It is sold worldwide and whilst the price may fluctuant it is regarded a relatively safe investment. The price of gold is often correlated with crude oil, which over current years has been increasing.

In April 2006, the UK Government updated pension parameters to allow for the investment of physical gold into pensions, supporting the notion of a more balanced, and therefore protected retirement wealth. Relaxed rules also mean a more flexible lifetime limit for contributions, so you can save more when you can afford it. It is also possible with some personal pensions to choose to draw your income direct from the scheme through income withdrawal, subject to limits, rather than cash in and buy an annuity from an insurance company. The new rules now allow income withdrawal to carry on beyond age 75, subject to stricter rules.

SIPP.

The type of pension required to house gold is called a Self Invested Personal Pension (SIPP). These benefit from the flexibility of the updated legislation and can house a mix of traditional paper assets with tangible assets such as commercial property and now investment grade gold.

This can be achieved if you have no current pension provision but want to open a SIPP, or if you have an existing pension which you wish to transfer into the more flexible structure. A SIPP can even be opened alongside existing personal or company schemes to allow versatility.

Investments are chosen by you, and the SIPP provider acts as a fund trustee. When retirement comes, the capital provides an income which can be drawn either directly from the SIPP (subject to limits) or via an annuity purchased from an insurer. The SIPP trustee takes care of wrapping all these investments into one portfolio, while assuring that reporting and legal obligations are met.

Here at Physical Gold, we are a member of the National Association of Pension Funds and have teamed up with an extensive number of the leading alternative asset pension providers to offer you gold in your pension. Our Sipp partners have led the way with offering the most diversity possible into UK pensions, and are expert at handling alternative assets and providing any specific technical assistance.

You can establish a SIPP either directly or by using an Independent Financial Advisor (IFA) of your own to guide you through the risks and rewards of the various asset classes on offer, before you make any decisions. If you proceed, the paper work will be taken care of, and the gold will be stored in a licensed depository on your behalf by the trustee. We operate on a fully allocated and segregated basis, providing you with the ultimate security. Your gold is fully insured through Lloyds of London and is stored to the highest depository standards to maintain the utmost integrity.

There are both initial and ongoing fees associated with opening a SIPP. You should consider the impact of these fees on your level of intended investment before proceeding.

Good Delivery Bars.

The type of gold required for a gold Sipp has to be of purity not less than 995 thousandths, and in the form of a bar. These ‘Good Delivery Bars’ are recognized by the bullion market and the high purity levels mean you own more gold content for your money.

Gold is the only physical commodity you can currently hold directly in a SIPP.

The London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) maintains a list of accredited refiners who produce these bars, and stipulate that these bars be stored in special vaults for integrity and correct handling and storage.

Your gold will be in the form of small 1oz bullion bars, providing you the flexibility to sell any part of your gold holding at any time. These bars are fully allocated to yourselves and segregated from other holders.

Balanced Portfolio.

A SIPP can provide the ultimate flexibility for pensions, and therefore facilitates more balance within your portfolio. More balance, means fewer nasty surprises when other holdings drop in value. Gold is especially appropriate to those entering the last 10 years before retirement who are looking for some protection over their pension value. The current economic downturn has perfectly illustrated how these assets can all move down in value together, shrinking pension pots, and leaving most people concerned about the reduced standard of living they’ll achieve once retired.

It also provides a great hedge against aggressive high yield and emerging market equity schemes – for those a little younger, who are looking for capital growth. Physical gold provides balance for two reasons. Firstly, its characteristics are totally different to paper assets as it has no counter party risk. More obviously, gold tends to rise in value when many of the traditional assets fall, providing the portfolio insurance every pension should have.

Efficient Investment.

The low cost of purchasing gold into a pension is illustrated by two factors.

Gold receives the same tax relief as other qualifying assets when bought as part of a pension. So, for top rate tax payers, that means a whopping 50% off the price of gold.

Secondly, for many of the securities products which dominate pension portfolios, management costs have steadily escalated, eating away at their tax efficiency. Investing in physical gold attracts far lower management fees, less than one tenth of the charge applied to a typical unit trust.

SSAS.

A small self-administered scheme (SSAS) is an occupational pension scheme set up under trust with fewer than 12 members. Since A-day the requirement for a professional trustee has been removed, although the majority of SSASs still employ the services of an independent trustee who is well versed in legislation and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) practice.

The SSAS is as flexible for taking benefits as any pension vehicle available in the market. There can be partial or full crystallization of a member’s fund with a tax-free lump sum payable and pensions can be paid under unsecured pension (USP) before age 75, alternatively secured pension (ASP) after age 75, or indeed by scheme pension.

A SSAS is able to purchase all of the same assets that qualify for a SIPP, so gold bullion is now a viable option for those company schemes seeking balance, growth and protection. For US investors, find out how you can invest into a Gold IRA.

Sipp Investment.

Sipp is a self-invested personal pension that has been approved by the government and allows us to make personal investment decisions from a full range of HM Revenue and Customs approved investments. Gold is an approved method for investing in for a pension plan and Physical Gold can help you find the right self-invested personal pension.

Gold bullion is allowed to be bought, leased or sold within HM Revenue and Customs guidelines and is specifically allowed for in legislation. It is also a great investment plan due to its lack of tax charges. Capital Gains Tax is a tax applied to the gain or profit you make when you sell anything, give away or otherwise dispose of something. Most gold investors never have to pay any Capital Gains Tax as it only applies if you make more than £10,100 of profit in one year. This is not necessarily the amount you sell gold for but how much you make on it.

Sipp Gold

Sipp Gold became an approved investment plan in 2006 and has since seen millions of people buy gold as an asset for their pension. It is possible to invest in gold at any time in your life, at any age as a plan for later life.

Pension Gold Investment

Pension gold investment can be used alongside cash and other assets in order to make as much interest and cash as possible over a long period of time. Physical gold can help you discover how much gold you would like to invest in, the quality and how long of a period of time you would like to buy and sell it over. One of our expert advisors will be here to inform you of the best and worst times to trade gold and to keep track of your sipp gold throughout the whole process.