How much gold and silver can I sell without reporting?

Asked by: Prof. Asa Quigley  |  Last update: February 23, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (3 votes)

For example, if you sell gold worth more than $10,000 in cash, that's a clear trigger for reporting. Similarly, selling large amounts of specific types of metals—like over 25 ounces of gold coins—might also need to be reported. Keeping track of all your transactions is crucial.

How much gold can you sell without it being reported to the IRS?

Gold transactions exceeding $10,000 require the completion of Form 8300, which includes personal information like your name, address, and Social Security number. The IRS has a predefined list of items that require reporting when sold in certain quantities.

Can you sell gold anonymously for cash?

In many cases, selling gold involves providing identification and personal information. However, the level of anonymity can vary depending on the buyer and local regulations. When considering selling your gold, it's essential to be well-informed and choose a reputable buyer like PGS Gold & Coin.

How much silver can I sell before having to report it?

If you purchase or sell silver for cash in a transaction that exceeds $10,000, the financial institution or dealer involved may be required to file a Form 8300 with the IRS (IRS Form 8300 reference guide).

How much gold can I sell at one time?

Physical Gold

In contrast, married women can possess up to 500 grams, unmarried women up to 250 grams, and men, in general, up to 500 grams. Selling physical gold within three years incurs a short-term capital gains tax; beyond that, a long-term capital gains tax applies.

How Much Gold Can I Sell Without Reporting To IRS?

25 related questions found

How much gold can one person legally own?

Is there any limit on how much gold I can own ? No, there are no restrictions on private gold ownership in the United States.

Do you have to pay taxes on gold you find?

Found treasures, regardless of their form, are generally considered taxable income. The value of the treasure at the time of discovery becomes the basis for determining the tax liability. Consider the California couple who, in 2013, stumbled upon an astounding treasure: 1,400 19th-century gold coins on their property.

Does the IRS track gold sales?

There are two circumstances in which precious metals dealers are legally obligated to report consumer transactions to the IRS: when a consumer sells reportable quantities of specific bullion or coins; and. when a consumer buys goods from a dealer and pays $10,000 or more in cash for the goods.

Does the government know if I sell gold?

If you sell a large quantity of certain types of gold to a dealer or broker, they may be obligated to report the information to the IRS. The information reported can include your name, address, tax identification number, date of sale, and proceeds.

Does selling gold count as income?

The IRS considers non-legal tender gold bars and coins to be 'collectibles' for income tax purposes. If you hold the gold for less than 12 months then any gains are taxed as 'ordinary income', if you sell after a year then any profits are taxed as 'long-term capital gains'. At the time of writing this is 28%.

Do you need a license to sell gold?

If you're involved in buying and selling items made of or containing gold, silver, platinum, or other precious metals or jewels, including scrap metal, you likely need to get approved for your precious metals license.

Do you get a 1099 when selling gold?

In the context of precious metal transactions, dealers are required to fill out a 1099-B form. This is done when a customer sells any of the products mentioned in the IRS's Reportable Items List in specific amounts, which we'll discuss further in this piece.

How much silver can a US citizen own?

There is no limitation in the United States. You can have a warehouse of couches, fleet of vehicles, pallets of US banknotes, and vaults of precious metals. The US treats gold and silver bullion like a couch. Once you pay for it along with any sales tax (if any) it is yours to keep.

How to sell silver bars for cash?

Like jewelry and flatware, silver bullion can be sold to a pawn shop, cash-for-gold exchange, jewelry store or online precious metals buyer. Bullion is usually 99.9% silver, so you should be able to sell it for some of the highest available prices.

How much physical gold can I sell without reporting?

For example, if you sell gold worth more than $10,000 in cash, that's a clear trigger for reporting. Similarly, selling large amounts of specific types of metals—like over 25 ounces of gold coins—might also need to be reported. Keeping track of all your transactions is crucial.

Do I have to pay taxes when I sell my silver?

Physical gold and silver investments are subject to the capital gains tax that's calculated based on the difference between the price you paid and the price for which you sold them.

Do you have to pay taxes on gold you find in the ground?

Someone who makes a valuable discovery — whether gold coins, meteorites or even cash — generally owes tax on that haul, which is known as "found" property. The tax is twofold: a levy upon acquisition and, if eventually sold, on the profit.

What is a reportable quantity of gold?

For gold bars and rounds to be reportable, each item must have a purity of at least . 995, with a total quantity of 1 kilo (32.15 troy ounces) or more.

Can I keep gold found on my property?

In some cases, the landowner may not own the mineral rights to their property. This means that even if you find gold on your property, you may not have the right to mine or sell it. Examine your property deed or title to determine who owns the mineral rights.