Roth IRA Rollover Guide · 1970

How to Roll Over a Roth IRA to a Gold IRA (1970 Step-by-Step)

The exact process, tax rules, common mistakes, and the providers most Roth IRA holders use — straight from IRS publications and 1970 guidance.

Reviewed by Gold IRA Blueprint Editorial TeamLast updated

Quick Answer

A Roth IRA holds after-tax contributions that grow tax-free. To preserve that tax-free status, you must roll into a Roth Gold IRA — not a Traditional Gold IRA. Custodian selection and account type matter. The full process takes 2–3 weeks for most Roth IRAs and is tax-free when handled as a direct trustee-to-trustee transfer.

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Accounts under $100k that need an accessible entry point with strong education

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Roth IRA → Gold IRA: The 5-Step Process

  1. 1

    Open a self-directed Gold IRA

    Choose a Gold IRA custodian (Augusta or Birch in most cases). They handle the paperwork to establish a Traditional, Roth, or SEP self-directed IRA depending on your source account type.

  2. 2

    Request the rollover from your Roth IRA administrator

    Roth-to-Roth direct transfers are tax-free and unlimited. Rolling a Roth IRA into a Traditional Gold IRA would trigger taxation on the entire balance — never do this.

  3. 3

    Fund settles in 7–14 days

    The receiving Gold IRA custodian confirms receipt. Throughout this period your money is in cash inside the new IRA — no market exposure.

  4. 4

    Select IRS-approved metals

    Gold must be ≥99.5% pure (American Gold Eagles are explicitly allowed). Silver ≥99.9%. Your account rep walks you through allocation between gold, silver, platinum, and palladium.

  5. 5

    Metals ship to an approved depository

    Bullion goes directly from the dealer to an IRS-approved depository — most commonly Delaware Depository or the Texas Bullion Depository. You receive a confirmation statement within ~5 business days.

⚠ Critical Roth IRA rule

Rolling a Roth IRA into a Traditional Gold IRA

This converts after-tax money to pre-tax treatment and triggers taxes on the full balance. Always confirm in writing that you're opening a Roth Gold IRA, not a Traditional Gold IRA, before initiating the transfer.

Key restriction: Must roll into a Roth Gold IRA specifically. Many custodians offer both Traditional and Roth Gold IRAs — confirm in writing before initiating the transfer.

1970 Roth IRA Limits & Tax Treatment

1970 contribution limit
In 2026: $7,500 contribution limit ($8,500 if age 50+). Income phaseouts apply.
Rollover tax treatment
Tax-free and penalty-free with direct trustee-to-trustee transfer
Typical balance rolled
$25,000 to $150,000
Time to complete
2–3 weeks end-to-end

Recommended next step

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Top Gold IRA Companies for Roth IRA Rollovers

RankProviderMinBBBBest ForGet Info
#1
Augusta Precious Metals
5 · 13 yrs
$50,000A+$100k+ savers wanting white-glove service and education-first onboardingFree Kit
#2
Birch Gold Group
4.8 · 22 yrs
$10,000A+Accounts under $100k that need an accessible entry point with strong educationFree Kit
#3
Goldco
4.8 · 19 yrs
$25,000A+Mid-range investors who value fast setup and the up-to-10% free silver promotion
#4
American Hartford Gold
4.9 · 10 yrs
$10,000A+Cost-sensitive savers under $100k who want low fees and an easy online setup
#5
Advantage Gold
4.9 · 12 yrs
$5,000A+Beginners — $5,000 minimum is the lowest of any major Gold IRA company

Rankings reflect editorial review of BBB rating, minimum, fees, customer reviews, and time in business. Last updated April 2026.

Helpful Tools Before You Rollover

Roth IRA → Gold IRA FAQs

Sources & References

  • IRS Publication 590-A — Contributions to Individual Retirement Arrangements
  • IRS Publication 590-B — Distributions from Individual Retirement Arrangements
  • IRC § 408(d)(3) — Rollover contributions
  • IRS Notice 2014-54 — Allocation of pre-tax and after-tax amounts in rollovers
  • Bobrow v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo 2014-21 — One-rollover-per-12-months rule

Recommended next step

Get Augusta's free 2026 Gold IRA Guide

Free educational kit + 1-on-1 web conference with Augusta's Harvard-trained economist. No obligation.

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BBB A+5 (1,100+ reviews)13+ yrs in business$50,000 minimum