Selling gold held in an IRA

Understand liquidation requests, bids, fees and distribution considerations.

Reader note: This is educational material, not individualized financial or tax advice. Provider-specific terms must be verified directly in writing.

Decide whether you are selling or distributing

A sale inside the IRA can leave cash in the account, while a distribution moves value out of the retirement account and may trigger tax reporting. Tell the custodian which outcome you intend before requesting a transaction.

Get a complete liquidation estimate

Request the dealer's current bid for each item, any shipping or assay fees, the custodian's transaction or closure fee and the expected settlement timeline. Ask who bears risk during transit.

Keep a clear paper trail

Retain the sale confirmation, account statement and any distribution forms. If you receive metal in kind, ask a tax professional about valuation and reporting; do not assume a physical delivery is tax-free.

Before you make a decision

Which claims are supported by current written documents?
What costs or restrictions apply if circumstances change?
Who can independently confirm the tax and custody implications?

A practical example

Before authorizing a sale, ask the custodian whether proceeds will remain in the account and whether the dealer will remit payment directly to it. Confirm the exact items to be sold and request a net-proceeds estimate. If you intend to withdraw funds, discuss potential taxes and reporting first. Keep the bid confirmation and final settlement statement so you can reconcile the difference between the quoted and received amounts.

Continue researching

Sources and further reading

Official reference: IRS IRA investment FAQs · IRS Publication 590-A · IRS Publication 590-B. These references explain general rules, not a recommendation of a particular dealer.

Editorial note: Provider terms and applicable rules may change. Confirm current details with primary sources before acting.