I have stock held in a DRIP program (pfizer, not that it matters...). I was wondering if it is permissible to have a certificate issued for some number of shares and then to deposit that stock into my roth IRA account. Is this allowed or do contributions have to be in cash? What about taxes on the gains while held in a taxable DRIP account? Any answers or insight would be most appreciate. Thanks

Contributions to a ROTH IRA must be in cash unless its from a qualified rollover from another Roth IRA or a conversion from a Traditional IRA. Next year direct conversions from Qualified Plans and 403(b) plans will be allowed.

I'm not an accountant or attorney. I can't answer your DRIP tax question.

Above post is accurate. Contributions must be in cash. Rollovers and conversions can be cash or in-kind, but that does not sound like the DRIP program you mentioned.