Selling Family Gold? Here’s The Tax Rule Every Indian Must Know

In Indian households, gold holds a place far beyond its shine. It’s not only a precious metal but also a symbol of tradition, prosperity, and financial security. For generations, families have passed it down as heirlooms—especially during weddings, festivals, and milestones. Along with its emotional value, gold offers financial assurance. But when the time comes to sell inherited gold, understanding the tax rules behind it is crucial. Because selling gold isn’t just about cashing in—it can also mean paying taxes on the gains.

Under Indian tax laws, inherited gold is treated as a Capital Asset. This means that when you sell it, the profit you earn is subject to Capital Gains Tax. Here’s the key difference—while calculating gains, the purchase date and price of the original owner (your parent, grandparent, etc.) are considered, not the date you inherited it. Example: If your grandmother bought gold in 1981 and passed it down to you, the 1981 purchase price and date will be used for tax calculation.

If the gold was purchased before April 1, 2001, you can use the Fair Market Value (FMV) on that date instead of the original purchase price—helpful if no old records exist.

Tax depends on how long the gold was held. Earlier, gold had to be held for 36 months to qualify as long-term. Now, 24 months is enough, as per the Finance Act 2024. Gold held over 24 months is taxed at 12.5% (without indexation). Gold sold within 24 months is taxed as per the income tax slabs.

Gold vs Other Investments Investors often compare gold with stocks (Nifty50) or Fixed Deposits (FDs). Over the past decade: Gold has often outperformed FDs. Stocks may give higher returns but carry more risk. Gold remains a stable long-term investment, and even with a 12.5% tax, the net gain can be significant.

Often, inherited gold comes without receipts. In that case, you can: Get a valuation report from a certified jeweller. Use historical gold prices from the local jewellers’ association. Tax authorities accept both as valid documentation.

Selling inherited gold will attract tax, but the good news is—long-term holdings are taxed at a lower rate, and the profit margin usually stays strong. With the right paperwork—valuation reports, FMV records, or receipts—the tax process becomes simple.