Gift Giving - The Tax in Giving

For most of us, the joy is in gift-giving; however,  when it comes to cash or estate gifts, there is such a thing called the 'gift tax,' and while complicated, there are several provisions, so you're able to avoid the tax altogether.  The way the gift tax works is essential in understanding how it can be avoided.

In life or death, any money that is transferred to someone else is subject to estate and gift-tax.  The government recognizes that accounting for every penny given, within a year, is unrealistic and established a $15,000 per person maximum gift amount without incurring taxes annually.  The key here is 'per person,' and if you're married, you and your spouse each qualify for and additional   So if you'd like, you could give a gift of $15,000 to each individual and then also provide a gift of $15,000 to the individuals as a couple totaling $60,000, all of which is exempt.  Some other gifts may not require taxation if over the maximum $15,000. Contributions to charity, tuition, and medical expenses may be tax-free, and when giving, be sure the gift goes directly to the institution in question.  Gits to your spouse, who is a U.S citizen, are also void of the tax.  Even if the gifts don't qualify for exemptions, you do receive a lifetime exemption from estate and gift tax to $11.58 million as of 2020.

$15,000.

The bottom line is your cash or estate gift giving would have to be a pretty substantial amount of money or property before having to pay up!   Lewis CPA can help you further if you need clarification or additional insight!