Gold IRA Lab
Rollovers & Transfers

TSP Rollover Options

Compare common options for an eligible Thrift Savings Plan distribution, including IRA rollovers and keeping assets in the TSP.

Updated Sep 2026Primary-source awareEducational
On this page
  1. Start with eligibility
  2. Prefer operational clarity
  3. Gold-specific second step
  4. Verification checklist
Partner resource

Researching a precious-metals IRA?

Goldco offers educational materials about precious-metals IRAs and direct purchases. Verify costs, risks, custody and tax questions before acting.

Visit Goldco

Paid link: we may receive compensation if you use this link.

Start with eligibility

TSP Rollover Options begins with a question that marketing pages often skip: is the distribution actually eligible to move? Employer plans can impose conditions on when money is distributable, and IRS rules exclude categories such as required minimum distributions and hardship distributions from rollover treatment. Confirm the plan type, distribution reason, tax character, and destination before initiating paperwork.

Prefer operational clarity

For TSP decision framework, distinguish a direct rollover or trustee-directed movement from a payment made to you. IRS guidance explains that a direct rollover from a retirement plan can be paid directly to the receiving IRA or plan, while a distribution paid to you can trigger withholding and a 60-day deadline. The exact route matters more than the label used in a sales conversation.

Gold IRA information from our partner

Want to learn more about a Gold IRA?

Goldco provides educational information about precious-metals IRAs, rollovers, eligible metals, custody and the account-opening process. Review the details and ask about current fees before making a decision.

Get Gold IRA Information from Goldco

Paid link: we may receive compensation if you use this link.

Gold-specific second step

Moving retirement money to an IRA does not by itself buy gold. A precious-metals IRA also requires a custodian that permits the asset, qualifying products, transaction settlement, and compliant custody. Keep the rollover decision separate from the later investment decision so each can be evaluated on its own merits.

Verification checklist

Ask the distributing plan what is eligible, ask the receiving custodian what account type will receive the funds, verify whether pretax and Roth/after-tax money need separate handling, keep confirmations, and consult a qualified tax professional when the transaction is unusual or high stakes.

Related guides

Rollovers & Transfers hub
Start with the main guide for this category.Can I Roll Over My 401(k) While Still Employed?
When an in-service 401(k) rollover may be available and what to ask your plan administrator before moving401(k) to Gold IRA Tax Withholding
How withholding can differ between a direct rollover and a distribution paid to you, plus questions to ve401(k) to Gold IRA Without a Tax Penalty
Understand when an eligible direct rollover can defer tax and which distributions may not be eligible for401(k) Rollover Options After Leaving a Job
Compare leaving money in an old plan, moving it to a new employer plan, rolling to an IRA, or taking a di403(b) Rollover Options
A practical guide to common 403(b) rollover destinations, eligibility checks, taxes, and direct-rollover 457(b) Rollover Options
Questions to ask before moving an eligible 457(b) distribution to an IRA or another retirement plan.
Next step

Get more information about Gold IRAs

If you want to continue your research, Goldco can provide information about precious-metals IRAs and the rollover process. Confirm current pricing, fees, storage arrangements and eligibility for your situation.

Learn More About Gold IRAs with Goldco

Paid link: we may receive compensation if you use this link.

Sources & verification

Primary references

Rules and provider terms can change. Verify current documents before making a transaction.