How to Move a SEP IRA into a Gold IRA

A SEP IRA is a traditional-IRA variant funded by employer contributions. For rollover purposes it behaves like a Traditional IRA: a trustee-to-trustee transfer into a self-directed gold IRA is tax-free and unreported as a distribution.

A direct (trustee-to-trustee) rollover moves money straight from your old plan to your new self-directed IRA custodian — you never take possession, so it is never treated as a taxable distribution. An indirect rollover sends the money to you first; you then have 60 days to redeposit the full amount into the new IRA, and the plan typically withholds 20% up front. Miss the 60-day window and the IRS can treat it as a taxable distribution, potentially with a 10% early-withdrawal penalty if you are under 59½. The direct method avoids all of that, which is why it is the standard path for a gold IRA rollover.

• ✓SEP IRA funds can be transferred into a self-directed gold IRA at any time.
• ✓You can continue receiving new SEP contributions in a separate SEP account while holding metals in the gold IRA.

• §A direct SEP-to-gold transfer is not taxable and carries no penalty.
• §SEP balances are pre-tax, so they stay tax-deferred in a traditional gold IRA, with RMDs starting at age 73 under current rules.

See our deep references on rollover penalties and gold IRA rules for the full rulebook.

1. 01

   Open a self-directed gold IRA

   Set up the receiving SDIRA with a metals-capable custodian.

2. 02

   Request a trustee-to-trustee transfer

   Move SEP funds directly into the new IRA.

3. 03

   Buy IRS-approved metals

   Choose eligible gold once funded.

4. 04

   Store at an approved depository

   Metals held insured and in your name.