Gold IRA Rules & Regulations
Understanding IRS rules is essential for maintaining your Gold IRA's tax-advantaged status. Here's everything you need to know about Gold IRA regulations in 2026.
Contribution Limits
Gold IRAs follow the same contribution limits as traditional and Roth IRAs. For 2026, the limits are:
Important Note
These limits apply to total IRA contributions. If you contribute $7,000 to a traditional IRA, you cannot also contribute $7,000 to a Gold IRA—the combined total cannot exceed $7,000 (or $8,000 if 50+).
Rollovers vs. Transfers: No Contribution Limits
Contribution limits only apply to new money. If you're moving funds from an existing retirement account, there's no limit on how much you can transfer:
IRS-Approved Precious Metals
Not all gold and silver can go into an IRA. The IRS requires specific purity standards:
| Metal | Minimum Purity | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | 99.5% (0.995) | American Gold Eagle, Canadian Gold Maple Leaf, Gold bars |
| Silver | 99.9% (0.999) | American Silver Eagle, Canadian Silver Maple Leaf, Silver bars |
| Platinum | 99.95% (0.9995) | American Platinum Eagle, Canadian Platinum Maple Leaf |
| Palladium | 99.95% (0.9995) | Canadian Palladium Maple Leaf |
Allowed in Gold IRA
- - American Gold Eagle coins
- - American Gold Buffalo coins
- - Canadian Gold Maple Leaf
- - Austrian Gold Philharmonic
- - Credit Suisse gold bars
- - PAMP Suisse gold bars
NOT Allowed in Gold IRA
- - Collectible/numismatic coins
- - South African Krugerrands
- - British Sovereigns
- - Swiss 20 Francs
- - Gold jewelry
- - Any gold below 99.5% purity
Exception: American Gold Eagle
The American Gold Eagle is only 91.67% pure (22 karat), but Congress specifically exempted it from the purity requirement. It's one of the most popular IRA-eligible gold coins.
Storage Requirements
IRS rules are clear: Gold IRA metals must be stored at an approved depository. You cannot keep them at home or in a personal safe deposit box.
Approved Depositories
Your custodian will work with IRS-approved depositories. Popular options include:
Segregated vs. Commingled Storage
Home Storage is NOT Allowed
Despite what some promoters claim, storing Gold IRA metals at home is a prohibited transaction. Doing so could disqualify your entire IRA, resulting in taxes and penalties on the full balance. Learn more in our home storage Gold IRA guide.
Distribution Rules
Gold IRA distributions follow the same rules as traditional IRAs:
Early Withdrawal (Before 59 1/2)
- 10% early withdrawal penalty applies
- Distribution is taxed as ordinary income (traditional IRA)
- Some exceptions: first home purchase, disability, medical expenses
Qualified Distributions (After 59 1/2)
- No early withdrawal penalty
- Traditional Gold IRA: Taxed as ordinary income
- Roth Gold IRA: Tax-free (if account is 5+ years old)
Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
- Traditional Gold IRA: RMDs begin at age 73
- Roth Gold IRA: No RMDs during owner's lifetime
- 50% penalty for failing to take RMD
Distribution Options
When you take a distribution from your Gold IRA, you can receive the physical metals (in-kind distribution) or sell them and receive cash. Many retirees take physical delivery of their gold when they reach retirement age.
Prohibited Transactions
The IRS prohibits certain transactions that could give you unfair tax advantages. Violating these rules can disqualify your entire IRA:
Disqualified Persons
You cannot conduct IRA transactions with "disqualified persons," which include:
- - You (the IRA owner)
- - Your spouse
- - Your parents
- - Your children
- - Your grandchildren
- - Your IRA custodian
- - Your financial advisor
- - Any businesses you own 50%+
Selling Personal Gold to Your IRA
You cannot sell gold you already own to your IRA or buy gold from your IRA for personal use.
Using IRA Gold as Collateral
You cannot use your Gold IRA assets as collateral for a loan.
Personal Use or Possession
Taking personal possession of IRA gold (except as a distribution) is prohibited. This includes "home storage" arrangements.
Consequences of Prohibited Transactions
If you engage in a prohibited transaction, the IRS may consider your entire IRA distributed as of the first day of the year. This means: immediate taxes on the full balance, plus 10% penalty if you're under 59 1/2.
2026 Quick Reference
- Contribution Limit$7,000 ($8,000 if 50+)
- Gold Purity99.5% minimum
- Early Withdrawal Age59 1/2
- RMD Age73 (traditional only)
Questions About Gold IRA Rules?
Augusta Precious Metals offers free consultations with IRA specialists who can answer your questions about rules and regulations.
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