Frequently Asked Questions on Gift Taxes
Who pays the gift tax?
The donor is generally responsible for paying the gift tax. Under special arrangements the donee may agree to pay the tax instead. Please visit with your tax professional if you are considering this type of arrangement.
What is considered a gift?
Any transfer to an individual, either directly or indirectly, where full consideration (measured in money or money's worth) is not received in return.
What can be excluded from gifts?
The general rule is that any gift is a taxable gift. However, there are many exceptions to this rule. Generally, 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 for someone (the educational and medical exclusions).
- Gifts to your spouse.
- Gifts to a political organization for its use.
In addition to this, gifts to qualifying charities are deductible from the value of the gift(s) made.
May I deduct gifts on my income tax return?
Making a gift or leaving your estate to your heirs 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). If you are not sure whether the gift tax or the estate tax applies to your situation, refer to Publication 559, Survivors, Executors, and Administrators.
How many annual exclusions are available?
The annual exclusion applies to gifts to each donee. In other words, if you give each of your children $11,000 in 2002-2005, $12,000 in 2006-2008, $13,000 in 2009-2012 and $14,000 on or after January 1, 2013, the annual exclusion applies to each gift. The annual exclusion for 2014, 2015, and 2016 is $14,000.
What if my spouse and I want to give away property that we own together?
You are each entitled to the annual exclusion amount on the gift. Together, you can give $22,000 to each donee (2002-2005) or $24,000 (2006-2008), $26,000 (2009-2012) and $28,000 on or after January 1, 2013 (including 2014, 2015, and 2016).
What other information do I need to include with the return?
- Copies of appraisals.
- Copies of relevant documents regarding the transfer.
- Documentation of any unusual items shown on the return (partially-gifted assets, other items relevant to the transfer(s)).
What is "Fair Market Value?"
Fair Market Value is defined as: "The fair market value is the price at which the property would change hands between a willing buyer and a willing seller, neither being under any compulsion to buy or to sell and both having reasonable knowledge of relevant facts. The fair market value of a particular item of property includible in the decedent's gross estate is not to be determined by a forced sale price. Nor is the fair market value of an item of property to be determined by the sale price of the item in a market other than that in which such item is most commonly sold to the public, taking into account the location of the item wherever appropriate." Regulation §20.2031-1.
Whom should I hire to represent me and prepare and file the return?
The Internal Revenue Service cannot make recommendations about specific individuals, but there are several factors to consider:
- How complex is the transfer?
- How large is the transfer?
- Do I need an attorney, CPA, Enrolled Agent (EA) or other professional(s)?
For most simple, small transfers (less than the annual exclusion amount) you may not need the services of a professional.
However, if the transfer is large or complicated or both, then these actions should be considered; It is a good idea to discuss the matter with several attorneys and CPAs or EAs. Ask about how much experience they have had and ask for referrals. This process should be similar to locating a good physician. Locate other individuals that have had similar experiences and ask for recommendations. Finally, after the individual(s) are employed and begin to work on transfer matters, make sure the lines of communication remain open so that there are no surprises.
Finally, people who make gifts as a part of their overall estate and financial plan often engage the services of both attorneys and CPAs, EAs and other professionals. The attorney usually handles wills, trusts and transfer documents that are involved and reviews the impact of documents on the gift tax return and overall plan. The CPA or EA often handles the actual return preparation and some representation of the donor in matters with the IRS. However, some attorneys handle all of the work. CPAs or EAs may also handle most of the work, but cannot take care of wills, trusts, deeds and other matters where a law license is required. In addition, other professionals (such as appraisers, surveyors, financial advisors and others) may need to be engaged during this time
However, if the transfer is large or complicated or both, then these actions should be considered; It is a good idea to discuss the matter with several attorneys and CPAs or EAs. Ask about how much experience they have had and ask for referrals. This process should be similar to locating a good physician. Locate other individuals that have had similar experiences and ask for recommendations. Finally, after the individual(s) are employed and begin to work on transfer matters, make sure the lines of communication remain open so that there are no surprises.
Finally, people who make gifts as a part of their overall estate and financial plan often engage the services of both attorneys and CPAs, EAs and other professionals. The attorney usually handles wills, trusts and transfer documents that are involved and reviews the impact of documents on the gift tax return and overall plan. The CPA or EA often handles the actual return preparation and some representation of the donor in matters with the IRS. However, some attorneys handle all of the work. CPAs or EAs may also handle most of the work, but cannot take care of wills, trusts, deeds and other matters where a law license is required. In addition, other professionals (such as appraisers, surveyors, financial advisors and others) may need to be engaged during this time
Do I have to talk to the IRS during an examination?
You do not have to be present during an examination unless IRS representatives need to ask specific questions. Although you may represent yourself during an examination, most donors prefer that the professional(s) they have employed handle this phase of the examination. You may delegate authority for this by executing Form 2848 "Power of Attorney."
What if I disagree with the examination proposals?
You have many rights and avenues of appeal if you disagree with any proposals made by the IRS. See Publications 1 and 5 (PDF) for an explanation of these options.
What if I sell property that has been given to me?
The general rule is that your basis in the property is the same as the basis of the donor. For example, if you were given stock that the donor had purchased for $10 per share (and that was his/her basis), and you later sold it for $100 per share, you would pay income tax on a gain of $90 per share. (Note: The rules are different for property acquired from an estate).
Most information for this page came from the Internal Revenue Code: Chapter 12--Gift Tax (generally Internal Revenue Code §2501 and following, related regulations and other sources)
Can a married same sex donor claim the gift tax marital deduction for a transfer to his or her spouse?
For federal tax purposes, the terms “spouse,” “husband,” and “wife” includes individuals of the same sex who were lawfully married under the laws of a state whose laws authorize the marriage of two individuals of the same sex and who remain married. Also, the Service will recognize a marriage of individuals of the same sex that was validly created under the laws of the state of celebration even if the married couple resides in a state that does not recognize the validity of same-sex marriages.
However, the terms “spouse,” “husband and wife,” “husband,” and “wife” do not include individuals (whether of the opposite sex or the same sex) who have entered into a registered domestic partnership, civil union, or other similar formal relationship recognized under state law that is not denominated as a marriage under the laws of that state, and the term “marriage” does not include such formal relationships.
Gifts to your spouse are eligible for the marital deduction.
For further information, including the timeframes regarding filing claims or amended returns, see Revenue Ruling 2013-17.
Revenue Ruling 2013-17, along with updated Frequently Asked Questions for same-sex couples and updated FAQs for registered domestic partners and individuals in civil unions, are available today on IRS.gov. See also Publication 555, Community Property.
How do I Secure Gift Tax Account Information?
Get Gift Tax Account Information For Unknown Years
When the tax periods for filed Forms 709 are unknown, a written request may be made to the IRS to secure that information, if any. The written request should include language requesting a determination of all gift tax returns filed for the taxpayer between certain years. Keep in mind that data before 2000 is not available online and may take up to 30 days for a response. Using the “Chart for all other transcripts” on Page 2 of Form 4506-T, either mail or fax your written request to the appropriate IRS office. The signature requirements and required documentation are identical to the requirements for Form 4506-T. No fee applies.
- Once specific years are known, use Form 4506-T to request an account transcript for each tax period, or Form 4506 to request a copy of a specific gift tax return. Follow instructions below.
Get Gift Tax Account Information Using Form 4506-T or Transcript Delivery Service (TDS)
Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return, is used to request an account transcript for tax periods where a tax return is known to have been filed.
- Complete Form 4506-T paying special attention to Line 6. Check the box at Line 6b of Form 4506-T to request an account transcript of specific years you indicate on Line 9. No other option listed under Line 6 on Form 4506-T is available for gift tax.
- Using the “Chart for all other transcripts” on Page 2 of Form 4506-T, either mail or fax your completed request to the appropriate IRS office. Prior to submitting your request, please note the requirements for signatures of representatives and documentation necessary to be submitted for deceased taxpayers reflected in the instructions on Page 2 of Form
4506-T.
Another option is for Circular 230 tax professionals to register at IRS.gov to access account transcripts for estate and gift tax matters using the Transcript Delivery System (TDS). TDS can only be used for requests where the tax year is known; it will not assist in determining whether any gift tax returns have been filed.
Get a Copy of a Filed Form 709 Using Form 4506
Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return, is used to request a copy of a specific previously filed tax return with all attachments. A $50.00 fee per tax return applies.
- Complete the Form 4506 with the taxpayer’s current information. Please be specific with the years in which copies are requested.
- Using the “Chart for all other transcripts” on Page 2 of Form 4506, mail your completed request to the appropriate IRS office. Prior to submitting your request, please note the requirements for signatures of representatives and documentation necessary to be submitted for deceased taxpayers reflected in the instructions on Page 2 of Form 4506.
- Make your check or money order payable to the “United States Treasury”. Enter the SSN and "Form 4506 Request" on the check or money order.
- Allow 75 calendar days for the IRS to process the request for a copy of a tax return.
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source: https://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Frequently-Asked-Questions-on-Gift-Taxes
