The person who receives your gift does not have to report the gift to the IRS or pay gift or income tax on its value. They are also available at local IRS offices or by calling 1-800-829-3676.

How do I report cash gifts?

Cash gifts up to $15,000 per year don’t have to be reported. Excess gifts require a tax form but not necessarily a tax payment. Noncash gifts that have appreciated in value may be subject to capital gains tax. Cash payments between individuals typically don’t have to be reported.

What are the tax implications of giving a cash gift?

If you gift cash, generally there are no income tax consequences for the recipient, though there could be gift and estate tax implications to the donor. But if you give appreciated securities, the capital gains taxes can be significant. Also, note that the tax treatment varies widely depending on the recipient.

Do you have to file a 709 gift tax return?

Officially, it’s called the United States Gift (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return. If you make a joint gift with your spouse, each individual must fill out a Form 709. There is no joint Form 709. However, you won’t need to pay an actual tax unless you go beyond your lifetime gift and estate tax exemption.

When do you need to fill out Form 709?

The IRS Form 709 is needed in reporting gifts that are subject to gift and generation-skipping transfer taxes. The most common rule is the yearly exclusion, in which anyone is able to give up to $14,000 in cash or property to someone without having a taxable gift.

Where do I find the unified credit on Form 709?

It is located on the first page of Form 709. Refer to the “Table for Computing Gift Tax” under instructions to calculate the tax on the amount of reported gift or gifts. You may apply your lifetime gift and estate tax exemption, also known as the unified credit. So you don’t have to pay an out-of-pocket tax if you use this exemption.

How much can I split with my spouse on Form 709?

The IRS said that you can split any gifts between $13,000 and $26,000 with the spouse if you both file a separate Form 709. You are also able to file this way even though you file your normal tax return together, and it could help you save money on the taxes by stating less giving on every return of the individual.