Gold liquidity calculator
Sell it, or borrow against it?
In the US, physical gold is taxed as a collectible. Gains can cost up to 28% federally, plus 3.8% for higher earners. A loan against the same gold raises cash without that bill. Here is what each route costs on your numbers.
Your gold and what you need
Ahead
Sell the gold
Ounces sold
Gain realized
Federal tax due
Ounces you still hold
Tax if you sold the rest at the end
Net worth at the end
Ahead
Borrow against it
Ounces pledged
Interest over the term
Tax due now$0
Ounces you still hold
Tax if you sold it all at the end
Net worth at the end
Loan risk
Price that triggers a margin call
Drop from today's spot
LTV at the end-of-term price
Net worth at the end vs gold price move
Margin call assumed at 85% LTV on the pledged ounces. Interest is simple, paid at the end. Cash raised is held flat, no return assumed. Collectibles rate is a ceiling: if your ordinary bracket is lower, you pay the lower rate. Illustrative only, not tax or investment advice. Check IRS Topic 409 and Form 8960 for your case. Spot reference: about $4,100 per oz in late October 2026.