Gold IRA Tax Rules

Traditional gold IRA withdrawals are ordinary income; Roth qualified withdrawals can be tax-free. Physical metal does not create a special long-term capital-gains rate inside the IRA the way personally held bullion might outside.

Traditional vs Roth

Traditional: possible upfront deduction / pre-tax growth, taxed on distribution, RMDs apply. Roth: after-tax contributions, qualified tax-free growth, no lifetime RMDs for original owner.

Early withdrawal

Before 59½, expect 10% penalty plus income tax on taxable amounts unless an exception applies.

In-kind distributions

Taking coins/bars out is still a distribution valued at fair market value—plan cash for taxes if needed.