IRA to Gold IRA Transfer: Trustee-to-Trustee vs 60-Day Rollover
When people say they are 'rolling over an IRA,' they may actually mean a trustee-to-trustee transfer. IRS terminology matters because the rules are not identical.
Trustee-to-trustee transfer
IRS Publication 590-A says a transfer of funds from one traditional IRA trustee directly to another is not a rollover. Because there is no distribution to you, the transfer is tax-free and is not affected by the IRA one-rollover-per-year waiting rule.
60-day IRA rollover
If an IRA distribution is paid to you, you generally have 60 days to complete a qualifying rollover. The one-rollover-per-year rule can apply across your IRAs, subject to exceptions; direct trustee transfers are not counted the same way.
Why this matters for a Gold IRA
Before signing dealer paperwork, ask the receiving custodian exactly how the funds will arrive and how the transaction is coded. Do not rely on casual use of the word 'rollover.'
After the money arrives
Funding the IRA does not require an immediate metal purchase. Confirm eligible products, compare dealer pricing and understand storage before authorizing the trade.
Continue your research
Sources & further reading
- IRS Publication 590-A — Contributions to Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs)
- IRS — Rollovers of retirement plan and IRA distributions
Sources were checked for this publication update. Merchant fees, promotions and policies can change; verify current documents before acting.