Roth IRA to Gold IRA Conversion Guide

Roth IRA to Gold IRA conversions let you move your after‑tax retirement savings into a self‑directed Gold IRA without triggering a tax event. Because Roth contributions are made with already‑taxed dollars, the conversion process is considered a **transfer**, not a taxable distribution.

**Direct Transfer vs. 60‑Day Rollover**
1. *Direct transfer*: Your existing Roth IRA custodian sends the funds directly to your new Gold IRA custodian. There is no distribution or check issued to you, so the money never touches your bank account and there are no withholding requirements. This is the most straightforward option.
2. *60‑day rollover*: You receive the distribution from your Roth IRA and have 60 days to deposit it into the Gold IRA. If you miss the deadline, the IRS treats it as a withdrawal and you may owe taxes and penalties on any earnings. To avoid risk, experts recommend using a direct trustee‑to‑trustee transfer whenever possible.

**Steps to convert your Roth IRA**
1. **Open a self‑directed Gold IRA** with a qualified custodian.
2. **Complete account transfer forms** authorizing the transfer of assets from your current Roth IRA to the new Gold IRA custodian.
3. **Select IRS‑approved precious metals**. Review the list of approved bullion and coins on our [Approved Metals](https://securecashreserve.com/approved‑metals) page to ensure compliance.
4. **Arrange for secure storage** of your metals in an IRS‑approved depository. Explore options like segregated or non‑segregated storage on our [Gold IRA Storage](https://securecashreserve.com/gold‑ira‑storage) page.

**Tax considerations**
Because Roth contributions have already been taxed, converting to a Gold IRA does not generate additional taxes. Your Roth IRA’s earnings will continue to grow tax‑free in the Gold IRA as long as you follow the IRS rules, including holding only approved metals and meeting the five‑year and age‑59½ distribution requirements. Always consult with a tax professional to ensure your transfer is processed correctly.

For more rollover options, check our [Rollover Guide](/rollover‑guide), which covers transfers from Traditional IRAs, 401(k)s, TSPs, and more.