Tax on gold in Canada: GST/HST and capital gains calculator
Gold and platinum of at least 99.5% and silver of at least 99.9% carry no GST/HST in Canada; palladium and lower purity metal are taxable. When you sell, half of the capital gain is added to your income. The calculator shows both for individuals.
Gold and silver tax calculator
Enter what you bought and, if you like, what you sell it for. You get the VAT or GST in the price and an estimate of the tax on the sale.
Canadian rules for individuals
When you buy
- No GST/HST on precious metal: bars, ingots, coins or wafers of gold or platinum of at least 99.5% and silver of at least 99.9% (Excise Tax Act s.123).
- Taxable: palladium, jewellery and lower purity coins, at 5% GST or 13% to 15% HST depending on the province.
When you sell
- Capital gain: proceeds minus adjusted cost base and selling costs.
- Inclusion rate 50%: half the gain is added to your income and taxed at your combined federal and provincial rate.
- Business income: frequent trading can make the whole profit taxable as income.
Official sources: Excise Tax Act s.123 (precious metal) · CRA GST/HST Memorandum 17-1 · CRA: GST/HST rates by province · Department of Finance: capital gains inclusion rate. Rules checked on 12 Oct 2026.
FAQ
Is there GST/HST on gold in Canada?
Not on gold bars, wafers and coins of at least 99.5% purity, such as the Gold Maple Leaf. A 22 karat coin like the Krugerrand is taxable.
Is there GST/HST on silver?
Not on silver of at least 99.9% purity in bar, ingot, coin or wafer form. Lower purity silver, such as 90% coins, is taxable.
How is the gain on gold taxed in Canada?
As a capital gain: half of it is added to your income and taxed at your marginal rate. Frequent trading can make it business income instead.
Did the capital gains inclusion rate go up?
No. The planned increase to two thirds was cancelled in 2025, so the inclusion rate for individuals stays at 50%.
metalsradar.com compares precious metals prices and does not sell metal. This page explains the general rules for private individuals and is not tax advice. Your tax depends on your whole situation, so check it with a tax adviser or the tax office before you buy or sell.