Independent education & comparisons • Affiliate-supported • Not financial advice
Rollover guide

Gold IRA Rollover Guide

Moving retirement assets to a self-directed IRA can involve a direct rollover, trustee-to-trustee transfer or 60-day rollover. Those methods have different handling rules.

Three IRS-described methods

MethodBasic mechanics
Direct rolloverA retirement plan pays another eligible plan or IRA directly.
Trustee-to-trustee transferAn IRA financial institution transfers assets directly to another IRA or eligible plan.
60-day rolloverYou receive an eligible distribution and redeposit eligible funds within the applicable 60-day period.

The IRS one-rollover-per-year limitation applies to certain IRA-to-IRA rollovers but not trustee-to-trustee transfers, plan-to-IRA rollovers or several other listed categories.

Choose the account path before choosing metals. See transfer vs rollover.

Tax caution: Verify your specific transaction with the plan administrator/custodian and an appropriate tax professional before moving retirement assets.

Sources

Free Gold IRA Guide