Short answer: Teachers, nurses and nonprofit workers can usually move a 403(b) into a Gold IRA after leaving the employer, and some plans allow it while you’re still working once you’re 59½. Ask your plan for a direct rollover to the new IRA custodian, so nothing is withheld for taxes.

Can you roll over your 403(b)?

Call your plan administrator and ask: “Can I do a direct rollover to a self-directed IRA, and are there any surrender charges?”

Check for surrender charges first

Many 403(b) accounts, especially at schools and hospitals, are annuity contracts from insurance companies. Some charge a surrender fee if you move money out during the first several years. Ask for the exact dollar amount before you start. If the charge ends soon, waiting may save you money.

Step by step

1. Pick a Gold IRA company and open a self-directed IRA with its custodian.
2. Ask your 403(b) plan for a direct rollover to that custodian. Pre-tax money goes to a traditional IRA; Roth 403(b) money goes to a Roth IRA.
3. Wait for the funds, usually a few weeks.
4. Choose your metals and get the price over spot in writing.
5. The metal goes to an approved depository, not your home. IRS rules require a trustee to hold IRA metal.

Avoid the 20% withholding

If the plan sends the check to you, it must withhold 20% for taxes. You then have 60 days to deposit the full amount, including the 20% from your own pocket, or the missing part is taxed (and may carry a 10% penalty under 59½). A direct rollover avoids all of that.

One thing you give up

If you leave your job in or after the year you turn 55, a 403(b) lets you take money out without the 10% early-withdrawal penalty. An IRA doesn’t have that rule; its penalty-free age is 59½. If you might need the money between 55 and 59½, keep enough in the 403(b).

What it costs

Gold IRAs charge yearly custodian and storage fees. We compare each company’s fees in our Gold IRA rankings, kept up to date in one place. The markup on the metal usually costs more than the fees: on $100,000, each 1% of markup is $1,000. Get written quotes from two companies.

Frequently asked questions

Can I hold gold in my 403(b)? Almost never. Most 403(b) plans offer only mutual funds and annuities.

Is a 403(b) rollover taxed? Not as a direct rollover between the same account types.

Can I roll over only part of it? Usually yes; ask your plan. Many people move only a portion and keep the rest in funds.

Related: How a Gold IRA rollover works · Gold IRA fees explained · TSP to Gold IRA · 401(k) or pension to Gold IRA

Sources: IRS, Rollovers of retirement plan and IRA distributions, checked October 23, 2026 · IRS, Retirement topics: exceptions to tax on early distributions, checked October 23, 2026 · IRS, Investments in collectibles in individually directed qualified plan accounts

About this guide

Written by Mark Sandulli, founder of BestGoldPrice.com. Mark is not a financial advisor, tax professional, attorney or precious-metals dealer. This guide is general information based on public sources, not financial, tax or legal advice, and it may contain errors or be out of date. Precious metals can lose value. Confirm prices, fees and rules with the company and a licensed professional before you buy. We may earn a commission from some links. Read our full disclaimer.