Gold IRA Rollover by Account Type
Most tax-advantaged retirement accounts can be moved into a self-directed IRA that holds IRS-approved physical metals — but the eligibility rules, timing, and tax treatment differ by account type. This hub explains the common ground shared by every rollover and then links you to a detailed, account-specific guide so you can start in the right place.
401(k), 403(b), TSP, SEP IRA, and Traditional or Roth IRA funds can generally be rolled into a self-directed IRA that holds physical gold. A direct, trustee-to-trustee move keeps the account tax-deferred and avoids the mandatory 20% withholding and the 60-day redeposit trap. Pre-tax stays pre-tax; Roth stays Roth. Pick your account type below for the specifics — none of this is a recommendation.
Important: This page is educational and general in nature. It is not investment, tax, or legal advice. Plan and IRS rules change — confirm current eligibility and procedures with your plan administrator and a licensed professional before moving any funds.
Choose your account type
401(k) to Gold IRA
Private-sector employees and former employees
The most common rollover path. A former employer 401(k) is usually eligible right away; an active 401(k) may allow an in-service rollover only after age 59½ or per plan rules.
Read the guide403(b) to Gold IRA
Teachers, nonprofit, and public-school employees
Works much like a 401(k). Eligibility generally follows separation from service or age 59½, and some plans carry a Rule-of-55 access feature that does not transfer to an IRA.
Read the guideTSP to Gold IRA
Federal employees and military members
The Thrift Savings Plan has no gold option. Eligible participants roll separated or age-based funds into a self-directed IRA. The TSP is known for very low fees, so weigh that trade-off.
Read the guideSEP IRA to Gold
Self-employed people and small-business owners
A SEP IRA can move to a self-directed SEP IRA that holds metals via a trustee-to-trustee transfer, which keeps the account tax-deferred and avoids withholding.
Read the guideTraditional vs. Roth Gold IRA
Anyone comparing pre-tax and after-tax treatment
Traditional money stays tax-deferred when moved to a Traditional IRA; Roth money must go to a Roth IRA to stay tax-free. Mixing the two creates a taxable conversion.
Read the guideGold IRA for Federal Employees
FERS and CSRS employees weighing options
A plain-language look at which federal retirement money (TSP, personal IRAs) can hold physical metals and which cannot (FERS/CSRS pensions, Social Security).
Read the guideEligibility at a glance
| Account type | Typically eligible to roll over when… | Usual tax destination |
|---|---|---|
| 401(k) | You have left the employer, or are 59½+ for an in-service rollover | Traditional → Traditional IRA; Roth → Roth IRA |
| 403(b) | Separation from service, or age 59½ per plan rules | Traditional → Traditional IRA; Roth → Roth IRA |
| TSP | You have separated from federal service, or are 59½+ (age-based) | Traditional → Traditional IRA; Roth TSP → Roth IRA |
| SEP IRA | Any time, via a trustee-to-trustee transfer | Self-directed SEP IRA (stays pre-tax) |
| Traditional / Roth IRA | Any time, via transfer between IRA custodians | Same tax type (Traditional or Roth) |
For educational purposes only. Eligibility depends on your specific plan document and current IRS rules, which change over time. Confirm details with your plan administrator and a licensed professional.
What every rollover has in common
1. A self-directed IRA holds the metals
Physical gold cannot sit inside a standard employer plan or brokerage IRA. It is held in a self-directed IRA through a custodian, with the metals stored at an approved depository.
2. Direct beats indirect
A direct, trustee-to-trustee rollover moves money without it passing through your hands. That avoids the mandatory 20% withholding and the 60-day redeposit deadline that apply when a check is made out to you.
3. Tax character carries over
Pre-tax money stays pre-tax when it lands in a Traditional IRA, and Roth money stays tax-free in a Roth IRA. Moving pre-tax dollars into a Roth is a conversion and is taxable in that year.
4. Only IRS-approved metals qualify
Gold must generally meet a 99.5% fineness standard (with a specific exception for the American Gold Eagle). The same statute defines which silver, platinum, and palladium products an IRA may hold.
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Start the Free AuditFrequently asked questions
Which retirement accounts can be rolled into a gold IRA?
Commonly a 401(k), 403(b), TSP, SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA (after a two-year period), and Traditional or Roth IRA. Each has its own eligibility timing, so check the account-specific guide.
Do I have to move my entire account?
Usually no. Many plans allow a partial rollover, so you can move a portion into a self-directed IRA and leave the rest in place. Confirm partial-rollover rules with your plan administrator.
What is the difference between a rollover and a transfer?
A transfer moves money directly between two IRA custodians of the same type and is generally unlimited. A rollover typically moves money out of an employer plan, or between different account types, and is best done directly to avoid withholding.
Will a rollover create a tax bill?
A direct rollover that keeps the same tax character (pre-tax to pre-tax, or Roth to Roth) is generally not taxed. Converting pre-tax money to a Roth IRA is taxable in that year. Confirm with a tax professional.
How long does a gold IRA rollover take?
It varies by plan, but a direct rollover often takes a few weeks from paperwork to funded account. Timing depends on how quickly your current plan releases funds and the receiving custodian processes them.
Which account type is right for me?
This site does not recommend one path over another. The right starting point depends on where your money is today. Use the directory above to open the guide that matches your account, and consult a licensed professional.
Sources & authoritative references
This page draws on primary sources. Rules can change — always confirm current details with the official source or a licensed professional before acting.
- IRS — Rollovers of Retirement Plan and IRA DistributionsIRS guidance on direct vs. indirect rollovers and the 60-day rule.
- IRS — IRA-Based Plans (SEP & SIMPLE)Official rules for SEP and SIMPLE IRA plans and rollovers.
- IRS Publication 590-A — Contributions to IRAsOfficial IRS rules on IRA contributions and rollovers.
- 26 U.S. Code § 408(m) — Bullion exceptionThe federal statute defining which coins and bullion an IRA may hold.
About this guide
Published and maintained by Metals Retirement Audit · Last reviewed July 2026
Metals Retirement Audit publishes educational reference material on precious-metals retirement accounts for U.S. savers. Guides are written and maintained under the organization’s name rather than attributed to an individual, and they are reviewed on a recurring schedule so the rules, limits, and figures they cite stay current.
Sourced from primary documents
Rules and figures are drawn from IRS publications, the U.S. Code, and federal regulators such as the SEC, CFTC, and FINRA — cited on each page so you can check them yourself.
Reviewed and dated
Every guide carries a visible review date. Tax figures and contribution limits are re-checked against the current year’s official guidance when that date changes.
Corrections welcome
Spotted something out of date or inaccurate? Tell us and we will review it. Accuracy matters more to us than page count.
This page is educational and general in nature. It is not investment, tax, or legal advice and does not account for your individual circumstances. Plan and IRS rules change over time. Confirm current eligibility and procedures with your plan administrator and a licensed professional before making any decision.
Disclosure: We may earn a referral fee when you connect with a precious metals company through this site, at no additional cost to you. This does not influence the educational information above. We are not a financial advisor, broker, or dealer.