Inherited IRA to Gold IRA Rollover Guide

An inherited IRA (also called a beneficiary IRA) is an account you receive from someone who has passed away. Depending on your relationship to the original account holder, you may have different options for handling the inherited funds. Spouses can treat an inherited IRA as their own, while non‑spouse beneficiaries must open an inherited IRA and begin taking required minimum distributions (RMDs).

Converting an inherited IRA to a Gold IRA is possible, but the rules are strict. Direct trustee‑to‑trustee transfers are required – the IRS does not allow 60‑day rollovers for inherited IRAs. If you are a spouse beneficiary and elect to treat the account as your own, you can follow the standard rollover rules. Non‑spouse beneficiaries must keep the account titled as an inherited IRA and cannot make new contributions.

The process to move inherited retirement assets into a self‑directed Gold IRA generally looks like this:

1. **Confirm eligibility and account type.** Determine whether you are a spouse beneficiary or non‑spouse. Spouses who adopt the IRA as their own may roll the account into a self‑directed Gold IRA. Non‑spouse beneficiaries must set up an inherited self‑directed IRA. Consult a tax professional if you are unsure.
2. **Choose a Gold IRA custodian.** Work with a custodian experienced in inherited accounts. The custodian will help open a self‑directed inherited IRA and handle the transfer paperwork. See our list of leading Gold IRA custodians for options.
3. **Initiate a trustee‑to‑trustee transfer.** Contact the current IRA administrator and request a direct transfer of the inherited assets to your new self‑directed Gold IRA. Because 60‑day rollovers are not allowed for inherited IRAs, the funds must move directly between trustees.
4. **Select IRS‑approved metals.** Once the funds arrive, you can purchase gold, silver, platinum or palladium coins and bars that meet IRS purity standards. Reference our Approved Metals and Gold IRA Storage pages to understand which products qualify and where they must be stored.
5. **Arrange storage with an approved depository.** All precious metals held inside a Gold IRA must be stored at an IRS‑approved depository. Work with your custodian to choose segregated or non‑segregated storage and review any associated fees.

Inherited accounts also come with distribution requirements. Non‑spouse beneficiaries must begin RMDs no later than December 31 of the year following the original owner’s death. Depending on your age and beneficiary status, you might need to distribute the entire balance within 10 years. Failing to meet these deadlines can trigger a 50% penalty. Spouses who treat the IRA as their own follow the standard RMD schedule, currently beginning at age 73.

Because the tax implications of inherited IRAs can be complex, it’s critical to keep thorough records and consult a qualified tax professional. Rolling over to a Gold IRA can provide diversification and inflation protection, but beneficiaries should weigh the benefits against the required distributions and potential taxes. For more details, explore our pages on Gold IRA Tax Rules, Gold IRA Custodians, Approved Metals and Gold IRA Storage.