Williston, McGibbon and Kuehn FAQs

102 North Cook Street ∙ Barrington, Illinois 60010

(847) 381-4797 ∙ fax (847) 381-4789

These questions are taken directly from the IRS website.

FAQs

Gift Tax Questions

Q. What is the gift tax?

The gift tax is a tax on the transfer of property by one individual to another while receiving nothing, or less than full value, in return. The tax applies whether the donor intends the transfer to be a gift or not.

Q. Who pays the gift tax?

To contact us: (847) 381-4797 fax (847) 381-4789 Williston, McGibbon & Kuehn

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 is you are considering this type of agreement.

The gift tax applies to the transfer by gift of any property. You make a gift if you give property (including money), or the use of or income from property, without expecting to receive something of at least equal value in return. If you sell something at less than its full value or if you make an interest-free or reduced-interest loan, you may be making a gift.

Q. 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.

Q. What can be excluded from gifts?

The general rule is that any gift is a taxable gift. However, there are may exceptions to this rule. Generally, the following gifts are not taxable gifts:

1. Gifts that are not more than the annual exclusion for the calendar year.

2. Tuition or medical expenses you pay for someone (the educational and medical exclusions).

3. Gifts to your spouse.

4. 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.

Q. 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 charitable contributions).

Q. 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, 2003 or 2004, the annual exclusion applies to each gift.

Q. 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.

Q. 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.

Q. Who 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:

1. How complex is the transfer?

2. How large is the transfer?

3. Do I need an attorney, CPA, Enrolled Agent (EA) or other professionals?

For most simple, small transfers (less than the annual exclusion amount) you may not need the services of a professional.

However, is 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 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.

The information on this site is not to be interpreted as legal advice.

Use of this site, including contact via e-mail, does not constitute a legal contract.

Please consult with an attorney for individual advice.