How Much Gold Can You Legally Keep at Home in India? Know the Limits
Buying and wearing gold has long been an integral part of Indian culture, especially among women, where gold is both a symbol of tradition and a secure investment. According to the World Gold Council, Indian women collectively hold about 24,000 tonnes of gold, nearly 11% of the world’s total gold reserves, mostly in the form of jewellery - more than the combined reserves of the top five gold-holding nations.
But is there a legal limit on how much gold one can keep at home? The Income Tax Department does not restrict ownership based on quantity alone. Instead, it focuses on how the gold was acquired - whether it was bought from declared income or received as ancestral property with proper proof.
As per guidelines:
- Married women can possess up to 500 grams
- Unmarried women up to 250 grams
- Men up to 100 grams
These are general benchmarks, not strict caps. Owning more gold is not illegal, provided the source of funds is legitimate and properly declared.
