Tax on Gold in India: Everything Buyers Must Know

Gold has always held a special place in Indian households, you buy it for weddings; for festivals, and as an investment. However, buying and selling gold in India has tax implications that every buyer should know. If you are wondering how much is the tax on gold in India, it is important to note that purchasing gold is subject to GST and capital gains tax is applied while selling it. Understanding these tax implications at the time of the purchase will assist you with your proper planning and will prevent any future surprises.

Table of Content

Taxes Applied on Buying Gold
Taxes on Selling Gold
Taxes on Holding Gold
Legal Limits to Hold Gold

Taxes Applied on Buying Gold

Every gold purchase in India is taxable, which you need to consider in the budget. With more than one form of gold to buy, the tax on gold in India differs. Here’s the tax on gold on different forms:

Physical Gold: On jewellery, coins, or bars 3% GST is charged on the value of the gold. On jewellery, 5% GST on making charges are also levied.
Digital Gold: The tax is similar to physical gold. A 3% GST applies at the time of purchase, even though you don’t physically take delivery of the gold.
Gold ETFs or Gold Mutual Funds: There is no GST on the gold value itself. However, the fund house charges management and service fees, and those fees attract 18% GST. Over time, this slightly reduces your returns, especially if you stay invested for many years.
Sovereign Gold Bonds: Purchasing them is more tax-friendly. They are exempt from GST which gives them an edge over other forms of gold.
Gold from Abroad: If you are bringing gold from outside the country, 6% custom duty is levied on it.
Gold as a Gift: If you are receiving gold as a gift or inherited from family, income tax is not applicable. As per Section 56(2) of the Income Tax Act, gold received from parents, spouses, or relatives is not liable for tax. However, if gifted by a non-relative and the price is more than INR 50,000, it is taxable under other sources.

Taxes on Selling Gold

If you are selling gold, income tax is levied on the profit from the capital gains. The tax on selling gold in India depends on how long you had the gold.

Short-Term Capital Gain

If you sell gold within 24 months of buying it, the profit is treated as short-term capital gain. This gain is simply added to your total income and taxed according to your income slab. There are no deductions or inflation benefits here. Whether it’s jewellery, coins, digital gold, or ETFs, the rule stays the same, which is important to remember when you are learning how to calculate tax on gold in India.

Long-Term Capital Gain

If you hold gold for more than 24 months, it qualifies as a long-term capital asset. From July 2024 onwards, long-term gains on gold are taxed at 12.5%. This applies across physical gold, digital gold, and gold ETFs. There is one important exception—sovereign gold bonds. If you hold them until maturity, the capital gains are completely tax-free. This makes SGBs one of the most efficient ways to invest in gold from a tax perspective.

Taxes on Holding Gold

Simply owning gold does not attract any annual tax in India. You can hold gold for years without paying tax, as long as you are not selling it. However, documentation matters. During an income tax assessment, you may be asked to explain the source of the gold you own. This is where bills, invoices, inheritance records, or gift deeds become important.

Legal Limits to Hold Gold

The Central Board of Direct Taxation (CBDT) has laid down practical limits for gold possession without requiring income proof. The limit varies based on the gender and marital status.

A married woman can hold up to 500 grams
An unmarried woman can hold up to 250 grams
A male member can hold up to 100 grams

You can hold more than this if you can explain the source, such as inheritance or properly documented purchases. Gold that cannot be explained may be seized and treated as undisclosed income.

Understanding the tax on gold in India can help you plan smarter. Whether it is for a wedding or as an investment, considering the taxes ensures you get maximum benefit from the gold investment in the long run. With a gold loan, you can buy gold easily in any form without worrying about the funds.

At Muthoot Finance, we offer low gold loan interest rates, quick disbursals, easy repayment options, and no pre-closure charges. We also offer instant gold loan at home service, allowing you to get a gold loan from the comfort of your home. With features like a gold loan calculator, minimal documentation, and various gold loan schemes, Muthoot Finance helps you buy gold easily.