What Is a SEP Gold IRA?
A SEP (Simplified Employee Pension) IRA is a retirement account for self-employed people and small-business owners. A SEP gold IRA is a self-directed SEP that holds physical, IRS-approved metals. It works like a traditional IRA for taxes, but allows much larger employer contributions.
2026 SEP Contribution Limits
Maximum 2026 Contribution
SEP contributions are limited to 25% of compensation, up to $72,000 for 2026 (FINRA). Self-employed earnings use an adjusted calculation.
Ways to Get Gold Into a SEP IRA
- Open a new self-directed SEP with a custodian that supports precious metals, and make contributions to it directly.
- Transfer an existing SEP into a self-directed SEP gold IRA, tax-free.
- Keep your current SEP for contributions and periodically transfer money into a self-directed traditional gold IRA.
Ask the custodian whether it accepts ongoing SEP contributions, since not every self-directed custodian does.
How to Set Up a SEP Gold IRA
- Choose a gold IRA company and confirm its custodian supports SEP accounts.
- Open a self-directed SEP IRA and adopt the SEP plan (Form 5305-SEP is commonly used).
- Fund it by contribution or transfer from an existing SEP.
- Buy IRS-approved metals and ship them to an approved depository.
Things to Know
- If you have eligible employees, SEP rules generally require contributing the same percentage of pay for them.
- Contributions are made by the employer (you, if self-employed) and are usually deductible.
- Withdrawals are taxed like a traditional IRA, with RMDs from 73.
- Variable income? SEP contributions are flexible year to year.
Example: SEP Contribution for a Self-Employed Consultant
A hypothetical illustration. A sole proprietor's SEP contribution is based on net earnings from self-employment after deducting half of self-employment tax and the contribution itself, which works out to roughly 20% of net earnings rather than 25%. On about $150,000 of net self-employment income, the maximum SEP contribution comes to roughly $28,000, well under the $72,000 cap. A tax professional or the IRS worksheet for self-employed people gives the exact figure.
SEP IRA vs Solo 401(k) for Gold
| SEP IRA | Solo 401(k) | |
|---|---|---|
| Who can use it | Self-employed and small employers | Self-employed with no employees other than a spouse |
| Contribution types | Employer only | Employee deferral plus employer contribution |
| Paperwork | Simple; no annual filing for most | More admin; Form 5500-EZ above certain assets |
| Holding physical gold | Common through a self-directed SEP | Possible with a self-directed solo 401(k) provider |
For most self-employed people who want metals, a self-directed SEP is the simpler route.
Timing Your SEP Contributions
SEP contributions for a tax year can generally be made up to your tax-filing deadline, including extensions. Many business owners wait until they know the year's profit, then contribute and buy metals at once. Ask your custodian how long it needs to process a contribution before the deadline.
Augusta vs Noble Gold for SEP Gold IRAs
| Augusta Precious Metals | Noble Gold Investments | |
|---|---|---|
| Reported minimum | $50,000 | $20,000 |
| SEP support | Coordinates account setup with the custodian | Dedicated free SEP gold guide |
| Metals | Gold, silver | Gold, silver, platinum, palladium |
| Storage | Delaware (Texas also reported) | Texas or Delaware; segregated standard |
Who a SEP Gold IRA Suits
A SEP gold IRA tends to suit consultants, freelancers, and small-business owners with uneven income who want flexible, high-limit retirement contributions and part of their savings in physical metal. If you have employees, factor in the cost of matching contributions for them before choosing a SEP.
Best Companies for a SEP Gold IRA
Augusta Precious Metals helps coordinate account setup with the custodian; reported $50,000 minimum. Noble Gold has a dedicated free SEP gold guide and a reported $20,000 minimum. See other companies in our ranking.
Get Your Free Gold IRA Kit Get Noble Gold's SEP Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a SEP IRA Hold Gold?
Yes, if it's self-directed with a custodian that allows precious metals.
What's the 2026 SEP Limit?
25% of compensation, up to $72,000.
Can I Transfer My SEP to a Gold IRA?
Yes, by direct transfer, tax-free.
Is a SEP Gold IRA Roth or Traditional?
SEP contributions traditionally go in pre-tax. Ask your custodian about any Roth SEP options available.
Do I Have to Contribute Every Year?
No. SEP contributions are flexible and can be skipped in lean years.
Can I Have a SEP and a Traditional IRA?
Yes. SEP contributions don't reduce your traditional or Roth IRA contribution limit, though deductibility of traditional IRA contributions may be affected.
Can I Roll a SEP Into a 401(k) Later?
Often yes, if the 401(k) plan accepts rollovers.
Get the Free Gold IRA Kit
See how self-employed savers add gold to retirement.
Get Your Free Gold IRA Kit