Do I have to report gold on my FBAR?
A foreign-held gold account in custody at a foreign financial institution (such as an allocated or unallocated bullion account) is FBAR-reportable. Physical gold you store in a foreign safe deposit box or hold personally abroad is generally not reportable. Form 8938 may cover foreign-issued gold securities and certain unhosted positions.
FBAR treatment:
- Custodial bullion account: Reportable (Perth Mint, Swiss bank, etc.)
- Allocated gold held via foreign provider: Reportable
- Unallocated pooled metal accounts: Reportable
- Safe deposit box holding coins/bars: Not reportable
- Home storage abroad: Not reportable
Form 8938 treatment:
| Asset | Form 8938 |
| Custodial gold account | Yes (financial account) |
| Foreign-issued gold ETF | Yes (likely a PFIC too) |
| Gold mining stock (foreign) | Yes |
| Physical bullion at home abroad | No |
Related income reporting:
- Sales or exchanges of gold on Form 8949 / Schedule D
- Collectibles capital gains rate (up to 28%)
- Foreign tax paid on gold sale is creditable
Planning note:
- Home-storage bullion has no reporting, but also no step-up on death planning advantages
- Custodial accounts simplify reporting and valuation, but trigger FBAR
For FBAR reporting help, see our FBAR Reporting Guide.
Last updated on April 29, 2026
