IRA to Gold IRA Transfer
If you already own an IRA, moving funds to a self-directed IRA can often be handled as a trustee-to-trustee transfer. That distinction matters because the IRS does not treat a direct trustee transfer as a rollover.
Key points
- Open the receiving self-directed IRA.
- Request a trustee-to-trustee transfer.
- The funds move without being distributed to you.
- The receiving IRA then purchases qualifying metals.
- Direct transfers are not subject to the IRA one-rollover-per-year limit.
Why the transfer method matters
IRS Publication 590-A says a transfer directly from one IRA trustee to another is tax-free and is not a rollover. Because it is not a rollover, it is not affected by the one-year waiting period between IRA rollovers. IRS Publication 590-A.
What does not happen
You do not personally buy gold and then deposit it into the IRA. The receiving IRA owns the qualifying metals and the custodian administers the transaction.
Before transferring
Compare your current IRA's investment options and costs with the self-directed IRA's custodian, storage and dealer costs. Moving tax-advantaged money can be irreversible in practical terms even when legally permitted.
Augusta currently states a $50,000 minimum order. If that fits the amount you are considering, review its current materials and ask for up-to-date costs before making a decision.
Explore Augusta Precious MetalsWhere to go next
Continue with the Rollovers resource center, or review our Gold IRA company due-diligence framework.