Determining Whether you Need to File a Gift Tax Return can be Tricky

For 2020, the lifetime gift and estate tax exemption is $11.58 million. As a result, few people will be subject to federal gift taxes. If your wealth is well within the exemption amount, does that mean there’s no need to file gift tax returns? Not necessarily. If you make gifts during the year, consider whether you’re required to file Form 709, and be aware of common traps such as making gifts of future interests. (Gifts of present interests are within the annual $15,000 exclusion amount.) Gifts of future interests, such as transfers to a trust for a donee’s benefit, aren’t covered, so you’re required to report them on Form 709 even if they’re less than $15,000. Contact us for more details.