Gold IRA Rollover Guide: Step-by-Step Instructions

What is a Gold IRA Rollover?

A gold IRA rollover is the process of transferring funds from an existing retirement account—like a 401(k), 403(b), or traditional IRA—into a self-directed IRA that holds physical precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum, or palladium. This move lets you diversify your retirement savings with gold’s stability, all while preserving tax advantages. Our gold IRA rollover guide will walk you through it step-by-step.

Enabled by IRS rules since 1997, rollovers are a popular way to shift retirement assets without tax penalties, provided you follow the process correctly. Companies like Goldco and Birch Gold Group specialize in this, but understanding the basics ensures a smooth transition. Let’s dive into how it works.

Why Consider a Gold IRA Rollover?

Rolling over to a Gold IRA offers compelling benefits:

• Tax-Free Transfer: Move funds without immediate taxes or penalties—e.g., $50,000 from a 401(k) stays untaxed.
• Diversification: Gold hedges against stock market dives—e.g., up 5% in 2008 while S&P 500 fell 37%.
• Inflation Protection: Gold’s value often rises with inflation—$1,800/oz in 2020 to $2,200/oz in 2025 (hypothetical).
• Control: Self-directed IRA lets you pick IRA-approved metals.

Sarah, 50, rolled $30,000 from a 401(k) into a Gold IRA in 2023. By 2025, at $2,200/oz, it’s $33,000—tax-deferred and diversified, no tax hit from the move.

Types of Accounts You Can Roll Over

Eligible accounts for a gold IRA rollover include:

• Traditional IRA
• 401(k) or 403(b) (if no longer with employer)
• Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
• Roth IRA (to a Gold Roth IRA, tax-free)

You can’t roll over active 401(k)s while employed unless your plan allows in-service withdrawals. John’s $40,000 old 401(k) from a past job rolled into a Gold IRA in 2025—fully eligible.

Step-by-Step Gold IRA Rollover Guide

Here’s how to execute a rollover:

1. Choose a Custodian: Pick an IRS-approved trustee (e.g., Equity Trust, GoldStar)—they handle compliance.
2. Open a Gold IRA: Set up a traditional or Roth Gold IRA—$50-$100 setup fee typical.
3. Initiate the Rollover: Contact your current plan provider—request a direct rollover to avoid taxes.
4. Select Metals: Buy IRA-approved metals (e.g., 99.5% pure gold) via a dealer like Augusta.
5. Store in a Depository: Choose a facility (e.g., Delaware Depository)—$100-$160/year.
6. Confirm Completion: Ensure funds transfer and metals are secured—takes 1-3 weeks.

Mike rolled $25,000 from a 401(k) in 2023 with Birch Gold. He bought 12.5 oz gold at $2,000/oz, stored it, and finished in 10 days—tax-free.

Direct vs. Indirect Rollover

Two methods exist:

• Direct Rollover: Funds go trustee-to-trustee—no tax, no 60-day rule. Preferred method.
• Indirect Rollover: You receive funds, must deposit into IRA within 60 days—20% withheld if not done right.

Jane’s $20,000 direct rollover in 2025 went smoothly—no tax issues. John tried an indirect $15,000 rollover but missed 60 days—$3,000 tax + $1,500 penalty hit him.

IRA Approved Metals for Your Rollover

Only these qualify:

• Gold (99.5% pure—e.g., American Eagle)
• Silver (99.9%—e.g., Canadian Maple Leaf)
• Platinum/Palladium (99.95%—e.g., Platinum Eagle)

Sarah’s $30,000 rollover bought 15 oz approved gold in 2023—by 2025, at $2,200/oz, it’s $33,000, compliant and tax-deferred.

Costs and Fees to Expect

Rollovers are tax-free, but fees apply:

• Setup: $50-$100 one-time
• Custodian: $150-$250/year
• Storage: $100-$160/year (depository)
• Metal Markup: 3-6% over spot price

Mike’s $25,000 rollover cost $300 upfront, $250/year—$2,300 over 10 years. His $5,000 gain (to $30,000) offsets fees, tax-deferred.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Steer clear of these pitfalls:

• Indirect rollovers without redepositing in 60 days
• Buying non-approved metals (e.g., rare coins)
• Skipping a depository—home storage voids tax status
• Ignoring fees—compare custodians

John’s $15,000 indirect rollover miss cost $4,500 in taxes/penalties. Sarah’s direct $30,000 rollover with approved metals avoided this.

How to Start Your Gold IRA Rollover

Follow this gold IRA rollover guide: Pick a custodian like GoldStar, open your IRA, request a direct rollover from your 401(k) provider, choose metals (e.g., 10 oz Maple Leaf gold), and store them with Brinks. Request a free Gold IRA kit from Augusta for specifics—takes 1-3 weeks. Mike’s $25,000 rollover grew to $30,000 by 2025—tax-free and secure.