The Federal tax laws permit the tax-free giving of “gifts” to others throughout the year, subject to the annual exclusion amount limitations. “Gifts” in this article are not the same as “charitable contributions” or donations. For example, you can not deduct amounts which are given to politcal organizations as a “charitable donation” but a “gift” to that organization can be made.
The 2010 annual gift exclusion limitation was $13,000.00 per recipient. A husband and wife will have a $26,000.00 annual limitation, but read the requirements for “gift splitting” below.  It is also important to understand when a United States Gift (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return (Federal Form 709) is required to be filed.  Unless the U.S. Congress changes the annual limits, the same annual exclusion amounts are applicable for 2011.   The IRS website provides information for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on this subject.Â
Eight Tips From the IRS to Help You Determine if your Gift Is TaxableÂ
If you give someone money or property during your life, you may be subject to the federal gift tax. Most gifts are not subject to the gift tax, but the IRS has put together the following eight tips to help you determine if your gift is taxable.
1. Most gifts are not subject to the gift tax. For example, there is usually no tax if you make a gift to your spouse or to a charity. If you make a gift to someone else, the gift tax usually does not apply until the value of the gifts you give that person exceeds the annual exclusion for the year. For 2010, the annual exclusion is $13,000.
2. Gift tax returns do not need to be filed unless you give someone, other than your spouse, money or property worth more than the annual exclusion for that year.
3. Generally, the person who receives your gift will not have to pay any federal gift tax because of it. Also, that person will not have to pay income tax on the value of the gift received.
4. Making a gift does not ordinarily affect your federal income tax. You cannot deduct the value of gifts you make (other than gifts that are deductible charitable contributions).
5. The general rule is that any gift is a taxable gift. However, there are many exceptions to this rule. The following gifts are not taxable gifts:
- Gifts that are not more than the annual exclusion for the calendar year,
- Tuition or medical expenses you pay directly to a medical or educational institution for someone,
- Gifts to your spouse,
- Gifts to a political organization for its use, and
- Gifts to charities.
6. Gift Splitting – you and your spouse can make a gift up to $26,000 to a third party without making a taxable gift. The gift can be considered as made one-half by you and one-half by your spouse. If you split a gift you made, you must file a gift tax return to show that you and your spouse agree to use gift splitting. You must file a Form 709, United States Gift (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return, even if half of the split gift is less than the annual exclusion.
7. Gift Tax Returns – you must file a gift tax return on Form 709, if any of the following apply:
- You gave gifts to at least one person (other than your spouse) that are more than the annual exclusion for the year.
- You and your spouse are splitting a gift.
- You gave someone (other than your spouse) a gift of a future interest that he or she cannot actually possess, enjoy, or receive income from until some time in the future.
- You gave your spouse an interest in property that will terminate due to a future event.
8. You do not have to file a gift tax return to report gifts to political organizations and gifts made by paying someone’s tuition or medical expenses.
For more information see Publication 950, Introduction to Estate and Gift Taxes. Both Form 709 and Publication 950 can be downloaded on this website or ordered by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).
Links:
- Publication 950, Introduction to Estate and Gift TaxesÂ
- Form 709, United States Gift Tax Return
- Form 709 InstructionsÂ
- Gift TaxÂ
- Frequently Asked Questions on Gift Taxes Â