Gold Capital Gains Tax Calculator
Straight answer
Profit on physical gold and silver is taxed as a collectible: long-term gains (held >1 year) are taxed at your ordinary income rate but capped at 28%; short-term gains are taxed as ordinary income with no cap. Enter your cost basis, sale price, holding period, and tax bracket — this estimates the federal tax. Inherited metal uses a stepped-up basis (the value on the date of death), which usually wipes out most of the gain.
This is an estimate to size the tax, not tax advice — the collectibles rules trip people up, so see the number before you sell. Confirm specifics with a CPA.
Federal estimate only. High earners may owe an extra 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax; some states tax the gain too. This is general information, not tax advice — confirm with a CPA.
Why metals are taxed differently
The IRS treats physical gold and silver (and gold/silver ETFs) as collectibles, not ordinary capital assets. So the favorable 0/15/20% long-term capital-gains rates don’t apply — instead, long-term collectible gains are taxed at your ordinary rate up to a maximum of 28%. Short-term gains (held a year or less) are ordinary income at your full bracket. See the full picture in gold & silver taxes.
The inherited “step-up” is a big deal
When you inherit metal, your cost basis resets to its fair-market value on the original owner’s date of death, and it’s automatically treated as long-term. Sell near that value and there’s little or no taxable gain. More in taxes on inherited gold & silver.
What is the tax rate on selling gold?
Long-term gains (held >1 year) on physical gold are taxed as a collectible at your ordinary rate, capped at 28%. Short-term gains are taxed as ordinary income with no cap. Many sellers in the 10–24% brackets pay their bracket rate, not the full 28%.
Do I pay tax if I sell at a loss?
No tax on a loss, and it may be deductible as a capital loss to offset other capital gains. Keep records of your cost basis. Confirm with a CPA.
How are inherited gold and silver taxed when sold?
Your basis steps up to the value on the date of death, so you’re only taxed on gains above that figure — usually little if you sell soon after inheriting. The gain is automatically long-term.