Taxation on Sale of Gold in India
Gold is one of the most preferred investment options in India, available in multiple forms such as physical gold, Gold ETFs, Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs), digital gold, and gold mutual funds. Each form has a different tax treatment under the Income-tax Act. This article explains the taxation on sale of gold in a simple and professional manner.
1. Physical Gold (Jewellery, Coins & Bars)
Physical gold includes jewellery, coins, and bars. Tax is applicable at the time of sale based on the holding period.
• Short-Term Capital Gain (STCG): If sold within 24 months, gains are taxed as per the individual’s income tax slab.
• Long-Term Capital Gain (LTCG): If held for more than 24 months, gains are taxed at 12.5% without indexation.
• GST paid at the time of purchase is not refundable and forms part of the cost.
2. Gold Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)
Gold ETFs are paper gold investments traded on stock exchanges and backed by physical gold.
• STCG: Units sold within 12 months are taxed as per income tax slab rates.
• LTCG: Units sold after 12 months are taxed at 12.5% without indexation.
3. Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs)
Sovereign Gold Bonds are issued by the RBI on behalf of the Government of India and are considered the most tax-efficient form of gold investment.
• If held till maturity (8 years): Capital gains are completely tax-free.
• If sold on stock exchange:
– Within 12 months: Taxed at slab rates.
– After 12 months: Taxed at 12.5% without indexation.
• Interest earned (around 2.5% annually) is taxable as per slab rates.
Amendment in Finance Bill, 2026 “exemption will be applicable only to those Sovereign Gold Bonds issued by the Reserve Bank of India that are subscribed to by an individual at the time of original issue and are held continuously by such individual until redemption upon maturity” it means Capital gains exemption does not apply if bought from secondary market.
4. Digital Gold & Gold Mutual Funds
Digital gold and gold mutual funds offer convenience and flexibility but follow similar tax rules.
• STCG: If sold within 24 months, gains are taxed as per income tax slab.
• LTCG: If sold after 24 months, gains are taxed at 12.5% without indexation.
Conclusion:
From a tax perspective, Sovereign Gold Bonds are the most efficient option for long-term investors, while Gold ETFs and mutual funds provide liquidity with moderate taxation. Physical gold, though culturally significant, is the least tax-efficient due to GST and higher holding period requirements.
In Tabular Format
| Investment type | Short-term capital gains (STCG) | Long-term capital gains (LTCG) | Notes |
| Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) | If sold within 12 months: taxed at slab rate | If held beyond 12 months and sold before maturity: 12.5% without indexation; Nil if held till 8-year maturity | Capital gains exemption does not apply if bought from secondary market |
| Gold ETFs | Up to 12 months: taxed at slab rate | Beyond 12 months: 12.5% without indexation | Treated as listed securities |
| Gold mutual funds | Up to 24 months: taxed at slab rate | Beyond 24 months: 12.5% | Usually invest in gold ETFs |
| Physical gold | Up to 24 months: taxed at slab rate | Beyond 24 months: 12.5% | GST paid cannot be set off against capital gains tax |
| Gifted gold | Taxable only if gift from non-relatives exceeds ₹50,000 | Taxable in the recipient’s hands | Gifts from specified relatives are tax-free |
| Inherited gold | Capital gains apply on sale | Capital gains apply on sale | Original owner’s cost and holding period are considered |
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