A self-directed precious metals IRA can give you access to eligible physical gold, silver, platinum, and palladium within a retirement account.
Precious metals are perfect for an IRA because they are for long term investing and so is your retirement plan.
If you're above the age of 73 and already have metals in a self-directed IRA, this article is for you.
What happens to your precious metals IRA when your Required Minimum Distribution, or RMD, becomes due?
An RMD is the minimum amount that must generally be distributed each year from a traditional IRA once the owner reaches the applicable starting age. The rule applies to the IRA, even when the account holds physical precious metals rather than conventional securities.
The key is to begin early. An RMD does not necessarily require selling an entire precious metals position. With the right planning, the distribution can be coordinated with your broader retirement and wealth-preservation goals.
When Do RMDs Begin?
Under current IRS guidance, owners of traditional IRAs generally must begin taking RMDs by April 1 of the year following the year they reach age 73. RMDs for later years are generally due by December 31 of each year.
The first-year timing deserves attention. Waiting until April 1 may mean taking the first RMD in the following calendar year, when the next annual RMD may also be due. That can affect tax planning, so discuss the timing with your tax professional before making a decision.
Different rules may apply to Roth IRAs, inherited IRAs, SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, and certain employer-sponsored plans. Your IRA type and personal circumstances matter.
How is the RMD Amount Determined?
For a traditional IRA, the annual RMD is generally calculated using:
1. The account’s fair market value as of December 31 of the prior year.
2. The applicable life-expectancy factor from the IRS tables.
For a self-directed precious metals IRA, the account value typically reflects the custodian’s valuation of the metals held in the account. Because precious metals prices and premiums can change, the valuation used for the RMD may not match the original purchase price or a price viewed at another time.
Your custodian should provide the account information needed to calculate the distribution or direct you to the appropriate calculation process. Confirm the amount before submitting distribution instructions.
How can an RMD be taken from a precious metals IRA?
The mechanics depend on the IRA custodian, the assets in the account, and your distribution instructions. Common approaches may include:
1. Requesting proceeds from a sale of metals
You may choose to sell enough eligible metals to satisfy the required amount and receive the resulting proceeds through the custodian’s distribution process. This approach can be useful when you want to preserve specific holdings or avoid taking physical possession of the metals.
Ask how the custodian handles pricing, transaction timing, premiums, spreads, settlement, and delivery of proceeds. These details can affect the amount available to satisfy the RMD.
2. Taking an in-kind distribution
Depending on the custodian and the account’s procedures, you may be able to distribute eligible metals directly rather than selling them first. An in-kind distribution generally moves the assets out of the IRA and into your ownership.
Ask how the distributed metals will be valued, how that value will be reported, and how shipping, insurance, and delivery will be handled. Once the assets leave the IRA, storage and ownership responsibilities may change.
3. Using a combination of approaches
Some account owners may use a combination of a metal sale and an in-kind distribution. The appropriate approach depends on your liquidity needs, portfolio objectives, storage preferences, and tax planning.
Your custodian and tax professional should confirm that the selected method satisfies the RMD for the correct year.
The Bottom Line
A Required Minimum Distribution from a self-directed precious metals IRA is a planning event, not necessarily a reason to abandon a diversified portfolio or sell every holding. Start with the deadline and calculation, then review the distribution method with your IRA custodian and tax professional.
When you understand the valuation, timing, transaction steps, and reporting requirements in advance, you can make a more informed decision while staying focused on your long-term financial goals.
Begin the conversation early with your IRA custodian, tax professional, and precious metals dealer.
Asset Strategies International can help you understand how an RMD may interact with your precious metals holdings and storage arrangements, while your custodian and tax professional provide account-specific and tax guidance. We have been assisting clients with precious metals IRAs since the IRS code first allowed gold and silver starting in 1986. Thanks to the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, which broadened the permissible investments allowed in IRAs, we have been able to make holding all four precious metals in an IRA a reality for our clients for a long time.
Need to take an RMD in 2026? Give us a call at 1-800-831-0007 or email us to get the process for your distribution started today. December will be here before you know it!
Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only. RMD rules, tax treatment, valuations, and custodian procedures can vary. Consult your IRA custodian and a qualified tax professional before requesting a distribution.