GIFT…TAXES? WHAT’S UP WITH THAT?
Maybe you’re planning to give your child a large cash gift for a down payment on a house, or you have just received a cash gift, and someone says “you’ll have to pay gift taxes on that;” what gives? Do you really have to pay taxes on a gift? How much is the tax? Why is the government even involved?
All good questions. In this article, we will delve into the details of the current gift tax exclusion and explore its implications for taxpayers.
The gift tax exclusion plays a crucial role in determining how much you can give to others without incurring any gift tax liability. This exclusion limit, which is periodically adjusted by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), helps individuals plan their estate and transfer wealth efficiently.
What is the Gift Tax Exclusion? The gift tax exclusion refers to the amount of money or property that you can give to another person without being subject to gift tax. It is important to note that the gift tax exclusion is separate from the annual gift tax exclusion, which allows individuals to give a certain amount each year ($17,000 in 2023) to any number of recipients without triggering any tax consequences. So, if you’re planning to give a one time gift of $17,000 or less you don’t need to pay any taxes, nor do you have to report the gift to the IRS.
Your lifetime gift tax exclusion really refers to a unified exemption from gift and estate taxes. So there isn’t really a gift tax exclusion, instead you have one exemption ($12.92 Million) from both gift and estate taxes.
The Current Exclusion Limit: As of 2023, this unified exclusion/exemption limit is set at $12.92 million per individual or $25.84 million for a married couple. However, it’s important to keep in mind that tax laws change over time, and this number will be different every year because it is indexed to inflation.
Lifetime Exemption: The gift tax exclusion operates in conjunction with the estate tax exclusion. The exclusion limit serves as a lifetime exemption for individuals, meaning you can give away up to the maximum amount during your lifetime or leave this much to your heirs after you die without facing gift or estate tax liability. However, any amount given above the exclusion limit will be subject to gift tax or estate tax. So you can give away (either by gift or inheritance) up to $12.92 Million in 2023 without paying either of these taxes.
Gift Tax Rates: If you exceed the current gift tax exclusion limit, the excess amount will be subject to gift tax. The gift tax rates vary depending on the amount given and can be as high as 40% of the taxable gift. The gift tax is typically paid by the donor (the person giving the gift) rather than the recipient.
Annual Exclusion: Apart from the lifetime exclusion, the annual gift tax exclusion allows individuals to make annual gifts up to a certain amount to any number of recipients without triggering any gift tax liability. In 2023, the annual gift tax exclusion is set at $17,000 per recipient. This means that you can gift up to $17,000 to as many individuals as you wish each year without having to report the gifts or pay any gift tax. And if you give more than $17,000 it still doesn’t mean you have to pay taxes, it just means that you need to file a gift tax return that counts against your lifetime exemption from gift and estate taxes. It’s important to remember that this limit will change, so it’s advisable to consult updated sources or seek professional advice.
Utilizing the Gift Tax Exclusion: The gift tax exclusion can be a valuable tool for wealth transfer and estate planning. By utilizing this exclusion, individuals can pass on assets to their loved ones during their lifetime while potentially reducing estate tax liability. Properly planning and structuring gifts can maximize the benefits of the exclusion and minimize tax implications. However, it is essential to consult with an experienced tax professional or estate planner to ensure compliance with tax laws and optimize your gift-giving strategy.
Conclusion: By being aware of the exclusion limits and the associated tax implications, individuals can make informed decisions about gifting assets during their lifetime. If you’re not a multi-millionaire you probably won’t ever need to think about gift taxes at all. And if you’re giving a large gift it doesn’t automatically mean that you have to pay taxes on the gift. Remember that tax laws change, so it’s always wise to stay updated or seek professional guidance to navigate the complexities of the gift tax system effectively.
