How to Roll Over a TSP into a Gold IRA

The TSP is the defined-contribution plan for federal employees and uniformed service members. After separation, the balance can be rolled into a self-directed IRA and used to purchase IRS-approved physical metals.

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.

• ✓While still in federal service, TSP rollover options are limited — partial in-service withdrawals exist but have constraints.
• ✓After you separate or retire, the full vested TSP balance is eligible to roll into an IRA.
• ✓Traditional TSP money rolls into a traditional self-directed IRA; Roth TSP into a Roth self-directed IRA.

• §A direct TSP-to-gold rollover is not a taxable distribution and carries no early-withdrawal penalty.
• §Traditional TSP balances stay tax-deferred in a traditional gold IRA; RMDs begin at age 73 under current rules.

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

1. 01

   Confirm you've separated from service

   Full TSP rollovers are available after separation or retirement.

2. 02

   Open a self-directed IRA

   Set up an SDIRA with a custodian that supports physical metals.

3. 03

   Submit a TSP rollover request

   Initiate a direct trustee-to-trustee transfer (TSP has its own withdrawal/rollover forms).

4. 04

   Buy and store IRS-approved metals

   Purchase eligible gold held at an approved depository in your name.