Gold IRA in California
What a Californian should know before moving a 401(k), TSP or IRA into physical gold and silver.
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Early withdrawals cost 2.5% more in California
Early withdrawals from a retirement account count as California income, and before age 59½ California adds a 2.5% tax on top of the federal 10% additional tax.
Bullion sales tax depends on the amount
Outside an IRA, a single sale of coins or bullion worth $2,000 or more is exempt from sales tax; smaller sales are taxed.
Source: CDTFA notice L-912
Where to complain
California’s Department of Financial Protection and Innovation enforces the state’s commodity and securities laws against precious-metals dealers.
Source: California DFPI
Tax rules change. This is general information checked on 24 October 2026, not tax advice; confirm with a tax professional.
Three parties, one account
Custodian
A bank or IRS-approved trustee opens the self-directed IRA, keeps the records and sends your statements.
Dealer
Goldco helps you choose coins or bars and arranges the purchase inside the IRA.
Depository
An insured, audited vault holds the metal for your account. It doesn’t have to be in California.
Gold IRA questions from California
Will California tax my rollover?
Not a direct transfer between custodians. Money paid to you and not redeposited within 60 days becomes taxable income, and before age 59½ the extra 2.5% state tax can apply.
Is the 2.5% on top of the IRS penalty?
Yes. Before age 59½, the federal 10% additional tax and California’s 2.5% can both apply, unless an exception fits.
Do I pay sales tax on IRA gold?
Metal bought inside an IRA is a purchase by the IRA. Outside an IRA, California exempts single sales of $2,000 or more.