Tax on Selling Gold in Mexico
Selling gold, including Centenarios and Libertads, is a sale of movable goods (enajenación de bienes) for ISR. Total gains on movable goods of up to 3 times the annual UMA (about MX$128,384 in 2026) are exempt; larger gains are spread over the years held (up to 20) and taxed at your marginal rate, up to 35%. On sales of MX$227,400 or more the buyer usually withholds 20% of the price as a provisional payment.
Facts checked 30 October 2026 · Not financial, legal or tax advice
At a glance
| What you sell | How the gain is taxed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gold bars, Centenarios, Libertads and other coins | ISR on the gain at your marginal rate (up to 35%), spread over years held (max 20). | Gains up to 3 annual UMA a year exempt (about MX$128,384 in 2026). |
| Gold jewellery | Same rules. | Cost isn't written down over time for precious metals and jewellery. |
| Silver | Same rules. |
How gold gains are taxed
- Gain = sale price less the cost of acquisition (adjusted for inflation) and commissions. For most movable goods the cost is cut by 10% a year (to nil after 10 years), but the ISR regulations exempt precious metals, precious stones, pearls and jewellery from that reduction where they make up more than 50% of the item's raw-material value.
- Exemption: gains on movable goods other than shares are exempt if the year's total gain doesn't exceed 3 times the annual UMA. The UMA is MX$42,794.64 a year from 1 February 2026, so the limit is about MX$128,384.
- Taxable gain: divided by the number of years you held the gold (up to 20). That slice is added to your other income for the year and taxed at the annual rates (up to 35%); the rest is taxed at your average rate for the year or for the last five years.
- Withholding: the provisional payment is 20% of the total price, with no deduction for cost. A buyer resident in Mexico withholds it; otherwise you pay it yourself within 15 days. There's no withholding or provisional payment on movable goods sold for less than MX$227,400.
- Centenarios and Libertads have no specific ISR exemption that we found; they follow the same rules as bars.
- The 2026 tax reform didn't change these rules.
Reporting
- Declare the gain in your annual return (declaración anual), due in April, and credit any 20% withheld; the buyer gives you a CFDI showing the withholding.
- If your total income for the year is over MX$500,000, you must also report exempt income, including exempt gold gains.
Losses
- The law only allows losses on real estate and shares (Articles 121–122 LISR); there's no rule for a loss on movable goods, so a loss on gold can't be deducted.
Tax on Selling Gold in Mexico: FAQ
Do I pay tax on selling Centenarios in Mexico?
Yes, on the gain, unless your total gains on movable goods for the year are within 3 times the annual UMA (about MX$128,384 in 2026). Larger gains are spread over the years held and taxed at your marginal rate, up to 35%.
How much gold can I sell tax-free in Mexico?
The exemption is based on the gain, not the sale price: total gains on movable goods of up to 3 times the annual UMA in a calendar year are exempt, about MX$128,384 in 2026.
Does the buyer withhold tax when I sell gold in Mexico?
On sales of MX$227,400 or more, a Mexican-resident buyer withholds 20% of the price as a provisional payment, which you credit in your annual return. Below that amount there is no withholding.
Sources (5)
General information about the rules for individual investors, checked October 2026. Tax depends on your circumstances and residence; check with the tax authority or an adviser. Not tax advice.