1001. On this Finance Friday, I’m clearing up the massive confusion surrounding "gift taxes." Many people are terrified to help their loved ones because they fear a surprise tax bill, but the reality is that the thresholds are much higher than you think.
Whether you're helping with a down payment, paying for a grandchild’s tuition, or simply sharing your wealth while you're around to see them enjoy it, there are a few "golden rules" you need to know to stay on the right side of the IRS.
In this episode, we discuss:
- The 2026 Limits: Why you can likely give away millions without ever owing a penny in gift tax.
- The Annual vs. Lifetime Exclusion: How to use the $19,000 annual limit to your advantage.
- The "Direct Payment" Loophole: How to pay for medical or tuition bills without it counting as a gift.
- The Inheritance Trap: Why gifting a house or stocks now might actually cost your children more in taxes later than waiting for a "step-up in basis."
- IRS Form 709: When you actually need to file it (and why it’s not as scary as it sounds).
Find a transcript here.
Have a money question? Send an email to money@quickanddirtytips.com or leave a voicemail at (302) 364-0308.
Find Money Girl on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more personal finance tips.
Money Girl is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.
Links:
https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/
https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/money-girl-newsletter
https://www.facebook.com/MoneyGirlQDT
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
