SEP Gold IRA (2026): How Self-Employed Savers Can Hold Physical Gold
Gold in a SEP IRA: how it works and what to check first.
On This Page
What Is a SEP Gold IRA?
A SEP IRA (Simplified Employee Pension) is a retirement account for self-employed people and small business owners, funded by employer contributions. A SEP gold IRA is simply a SEP IRA held at a self-directed custodian that allows IRA-eligible gold and silver. It follows the normal SEP rules on contributions, and the normal IRA rules on what metals qualify and where they're stored.
How to Set One Up
- Open a self-directed SEP IRA with a custodian that holds precious metals, usually through a gold IRA company.
- Fund it with new SEP contributions, or move an existing SEP IRA by direct transfer.
- Choose IRA-eligible gold or silver bullion.
- The metals are stored at an approved depository for the account.
A direct transfer from an existing SEP IRA isn't taxable and doesn't count toward the one-rollover-per-year limit.
Things to Know
| Topic | What to Know |
|---|---|
| Who contributes | The employer (you, if self-employed), based on IRS limits |
| Employees | If you have eligible employees, SEP rules generally require contributions for them too |
| Tax treatment | Like a traditional IRA: tax-deferred, taxed on withdrawal |
| RMDs | Generally from age 73 |
| Storage | Approved depository only; no home storage |
Contribution limits change each year; check the IRS's retirement plan guidance or ask your tax professional.
Pros and Cons
What Stands Out
- Tax-deferred like any SEP IRA
- Diversifies self-employed retirement savings
- Direct transfers aren't taxed
What to Weigh Up
- Yearly custody and storage fees
- Gold pays no income and can fall in price
- Contributing in metals adds cost on each purchase
Choosing a Company
Augusta's minimum is $50,000; Noble Gold's is $20,000 and it offers a dedicated SEP IRA gold guide. Compare fees in our gold IRA fees guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a SEP IRA Hold Gold?
Yes, if it's held at a self-directed custodian that allows IRA-eligible precious metals.
Can I Move My Existing SEP IRA Into Gold?
Yes, by direct transfer to a self-directed SEP custodian.
Is a SEP Gold IRA Taxed?
It's tax-deferred; withdrawals are taxed as income.
Can I Store SEP IRA Gold at Home?
No. It must be held at an approved depository.
Precious metals prices can fall as well as rise, and a gold IRA carries setup, custody and storage fees. This page is general information, not financial, tax or legal advice. Consider speaking with a licensed financial professional before moving retirement savings.
Learn the Basics First
Request Augusta's free Gold & Silver IRA Info Kit.