This article is about how much gold you can hold at home as per the income tax rules, focusing on safe limits during raids and consequences for unexplained gold.
Safe Gold Limits Without Explanation
Instruction No. 1916 of income tax sets safe or non-seizable limits for gold at home, below which no source explanation or justification is required from the Income Tax Department.
| Category | Limit (grams) |
| Married Woman | Up to 500 grams |
| Unmarried Woman | Up to 250 grams |
| Man | Up to 100 grams |
Gold Above Limits
If holdings is beyond limits then excess gold triggers questions during raids. Owners must explain its source (origin) and provide justification. Failure turns it into an unexplained asset under Sections 69/69A.
Justification Methods
Inheritance from Parents/Grandparents/Family
Proof required: Gift deed or family settlement deed confirming transfer.Additional check: Income history of parents/grandparents/family to verify they could afford or possess that gold legally.
Wedding Gifts
Weeding gifts are exempt from tax, but retain videography, guest lists specifying gold details what each guest gave as proof. Those gifts can be reported in ITR as exempt income to create a legal record for the future.
Mandatory for high earners
If total income annually is above 1 crore, then you must disclose in ITR all personal gold including jewelry, bars etc or digital forms (bonds, ETFs) in Schedule AL (Assets and Liabilities) of ITR.
Penalties for Unexplained Gold
Exceeding limits without justification deems gold an unexplained asset, treated as black money as per Income Tax Act 2025.
- Penalty may levy up to 78% - 84% under Section 104.
Other consequences:
Excess gold may be seized/confiscated during raids, digital gold/SGBs/ETFs follow same rules if source mismatches income.
Key Advice
Maintain invoices, payment proofs, ITR history and gift documents for all gold. Explainable gold has no limit, stay within CBDT thresholds for zero hassle.
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