Selling gold? Things are getting complicated
Sudden change for precious metal enthusiasts: Those who thought their gold treasure was a safe investment now have to think twice. The government has quietly tightened the tax noose—and double-locked it.
🧾 What has changed in concrete terms
The tax on gold sales has risen from 10.5% to 11.5%. This “flat-rate tax” mainly affects individuals who are unable to present an original invoice at the time of sale. In short: if you have a few bars in your safe and want to sell them on the spur of the moment, the government will take a bigger cut.
Example: Are you selling a gold coin worth €5,000 without an invoice? You will now pay €575 in taxes, compared to €525 previously.
📉 Capital gains tax: also on the rise
Gold owners who have carefully kept their receipts—date and purchase price—are exempt from the flat tax. But that doesn’t mean they’re off the hook. Capital gains tax has also been raised, from 34.5% to 36.2%.
With a receipt: 36.2% on the profit alone (sale price minus purchase price).
Without a receipt: 11.5% on the total value of the gold sold.
⏳ Long-term holders are rewarded
Good news for those who hold onto their gold for a long time: from the third year of ownership onwards, the tax burden decreases thanks to an annual allowance of 5%. This “sale discount” means that after 22 years, the sale of gold becomes completely tax-free.
Did you know?
According to a study by the World Gold Council, 42% of private gold holders in Europe have held their precious metal for more than 10 years—a strategy that is now even more profitable from a tax perspective.
🔍 Quick comparison at a glance
Situation
Tax rate (old)
Tax rate (new)
Sale without invoice
10.5%
11.5%
Sale with capital gains (with invoice)
34.5%
36.2%
📌 What now? Strategy rather than panic
If you own gold, it is essential to take this new tax situation into account. Documentation is key: invoices, proof of purchase, and dates of acquisition can save you hundreds of dollars. If you don’t have a file yet, now is the time to create one. And for those thinking long term, the tax allowance is a blessing: after more than 20 years, gold becomes a completely tax-free investment.
Gold remains a fascinating investment—but only if you know the rules and act wisely.
EYS/ATC
