IRS Gold IRA Rules 2026
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Contribution limit | $7,000/year ($8,000 if age 50+) for 2026 |
| Eligible account types | Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA |
| Gold purity requirement | 99.5% pure (0.995 fineness) minimum |
| Silver purity requirement | 99.9% pure minimum |
| Platinum/Palladium requirement | 99.95% pure minimum |
| Storage requirement | IRS-approved depository only — no home storage |
| Required Minimum Distributions | Start at age 73 (traditional Gold IRA only) |
| Early withdrawal penalty | 10% + income tax if before age 59½ |
| Prohibited transaction | Self-dealing — using IRA gold for personal benefit |
IRS-Approved Gold Products
- American Gold Eagle coins — exception to the 99.5% rule (91.67% pure but IRS-approved)
- American Gold Buffalo coins — 99.99% pure, fully IRS-approved
- Canadian Gold Maple Leaf coins — 99.99% pure
- Austrian Gold Philharmonic coins — 99.99% pure
- Gold bars and rounds — 99.5%+ pure from NYMEX/COMEX approved refiners
- NOT allowed: Gold collectibles, jewelry, coins graded by third parties (PCGS, NGC slabbed coins in some cases)
Frequently Asked Questions
No — you cannot contribute gold you already own to an IRA. IRA contributions must be made in cash (up to the annual limit), and the IRA custodian then purchases the metals on your behalf. The metals go directly from the dealer to the approved depository. If you deposit gold you already own into an IRA, it's treated as a taxable distribution of that gold followed by a contribution.
The IRS can disqualify the entire IRA — treating all funds as immediately distributed, subject to income taxes at your full rate plus the 10% early withdrawal penalty if under 59½. On a $100,000 account for someone in the 22% tax bracket under 59½, this could mean $32,000 in taxes and penalties immediately. Always work with an IRS-approved custodian who ensures compliance.