Last Updated:August 30, 2025, 11:31 IST

Selling inherited gold? You might owe capital gains tax. Here’s what Indian tax law says about jewellery passed down from parents or grandparents.

According to Indian tax laws, inherited gold is considered a capital asset, so any profit made from selling it may be subject to capital gains tax. (AI Generated)

Gold has long been a symbol of tradition, prosperity, and financial security for Indian families. Often passed down through generations, gold jewellery is typically received as part of family heritage, gifted during weddings or other significant occasions by parents and grandparents.

However, if the time has come to sell this inherited gold, it’s important to understand how taxation applies.

Is Inherited Gold Taxable? Yes, Here’s How

According to Indian tax laws, inherited gold is treated as a capital asset. This means that if you sell it, capital gains tax may apply on the profit made.

A unique aspect of inherited gold is that, for tax purposes, the purchase date and cost are considered the same as those of the original owner, such as your mother or grandmother.

For instance, if your grandmother purchased the gold in 1981 and you received it during your marriage, the cost and purchase date from 1981 are used for calculating capital gains.

Gold Purchased Before 2001? You Have An Advantage

If the gold was originally purchased before April 1, 2001, you have the option to use the Fair Market Value (FMV) as of April 1, 2001 instead of the actual purchase price. This often benefits the seller, especially when historical records are missing or unclear.

Short-Term vs Long-Term Capital Gains: What’s The Difference?

It’s essential to understand the distinction between short-term and long-term capital gains, as the tax treatment differs:

Previously, gold held for more than 36 months was considered a long-term asset. After the Finance Act 2024, this threshold has been reduced to 24 months.

So now, if you’ve held the gold for over 24 months, the profit is treated as a long-term capital gain, and you’ll be taxed at 12.5% (without indexation). However, if you sell the gold within 24 months, the profit is considered a short-term gain, and will be taxed according to your income tax slab.

Gold vs Nifty50 vs Fixed Deposits: Who Wins Over 10 Years?

When comparing returns on various investments over a decade, such as gold, Nifty50, and fixed deposits (FDs), gold has often delivered competitive, if not superior, returns, especially when held for decades. For example, a Rs 1 lakh investment made decades ago in gold could well have outperformed traditional savings instruments.

In cases where the gold is several decades old, the 12.5% long-term capital gains tax will apply, but that still leaves a significant profit margin.

No Purchase Records? Here’s What You Can Do

If you don’t have access to the original purchase records for the inherited gold, don’t worry. You can rely on either:

• A valuation report from a certified jeweller, or
• The historical gold rates published by the local Jewellers’ Association.

These can serve as valid documentation for determining the cost of acquisition during tax assessment.

In conclusion, yes, tax is applicable when selling inherited gold. But the good news is that the rates are reasonable, especially for long-term holdings. With the right paperwork, such as FMV documents or jewellers’ valuation, calculating and filing taxes becomes a straightforward task.

So, if you’re planning to sell inherited gold, be informed and prepared, and you can make the most of your family treasure, both sentimentally and financially.

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