James F. McDonough
Of Counsel
732-568-8360 jmcdonough@sh-law.comKey Contacts
Back
The federal gift tax limit will remain the same this year as it was last year, according to the IRS.
As a result, a taxpayer (donor) may gift as much as $14,000 to each recipient (donee) without being required to file a gift tax return or paying gift taxes on these amounts. In addition, married couples can provide as much as $28,000 to a donee in gifts each year without generating gift tax liability on such transactions.
The federal estate tax, which is tied to the federal gift tax limit, also saw its exemption move higher in 2015 – rising to $5.43 million compared to $5.34 million in 2014.
For married couples, the amount is $10.86 million. If a taxpayer makes gifts, he or she will need to keep records of these donations because the total amount given is counted toward the federal estate tax amount.
Exemption from the generation-skipping transfer tax also increased this year, rising to $5.43 million from $5.34 million in 2014.
This particular levy involves transfers of wealth to grandchildren or other distant relatives made during their lifetime or death. Taxpayers should bear in mind that if they trigger the estate tax, gift tax or the generation-skipping transfer tax at the federal level, their tax rate could reach as much as 40 percent.
These higher exclusions of the federal estate and gift tax limit became locked in when Congress passed the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012.
This made certain tax cuts enacted in 2001 and 2003 permanent. Pursuant to legislation approved earlier in the previous decade, the federal gift tax exclusion was $11,000 in 2004 and 2005, $12,000 between 2006 and 2008, $13,000 for the years 2009-2012 and $14,000 from 2013 on.
Going forward, the gift tax limit exemption will track higher. Due to inflation, it will rise in increments of $1,000, according to The National Law Review.
- Practices: Tax and Trusts & Estates, Sophisticated Estate Planning & Wealth Preservation
- Locations: Red Bank, NJ, New York City, Little Falls, NJ
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Related Posts
See all
Fort Monmouth Redevelopment and the Transformation of Monmouth County Real Estate
The Fort Monmouth redevelopment has entered its execution phase, and it is repositioning the broader Monmouth County real estate market. When Netflix and the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority closed on the 292-acre Mega Parcel in December 2025, the transaction did more than hand over a deed. It marked the moment Fort Monmouth stopped being […]
Author: Donald M. Pepe
Local Zoning and Land Use Rules Every New Jersey Rental Property Owner Should Understand
Owning a residential rental property in New Jersey involves more than finding tenants and collecting rent. Property owners must comply with a combination of state laws, municipal ordinances, building and housing codes, and zoning and land use regulations. These requirements can affect everything from the number of dwelling units permitted at a property to whether […]
Author: Donald M. Pepe
Real Estate Litigation Explained: Top 5 Disputes and How to Avoid Them
The five most common real estate disputes are breach of contract claims, landlord-tenant conflicts, zoning and land use disagreements, construction claims, and boundary disputes. Understanding why each arises, and taking preventive steps early, can help property owners, tenants, developers, and investors avoid costly litigation. Key Takeaways: Real estate transactions are complex endeavors involving numerous parties […]
Author: Paul Grossman
When a Child Turns 18: The Gap in Your Family’s Estate Plan
Once a child turns 18, parents lose the automatic legal authority to make medical and financial decisions on their behalf, even if the child still lives at home or remains on the family’s insurance. Three documents close that gap: a durable power of attorney, a health care proxy or directive, and a HIPAA authorization. For […]
Author: George McGowan
Business Mediation: An Overview and Practical Tips
Business mediation is a confidential, voluntary process in which a neutral third party helps companies negotiate a resolution to a commercial dispute without going to trial. Because working with a mediator is very different from litigating in the courtroom, it is important to understand how commercial mediation works, when it makes sense for your dispute, […]
Author: Paul Grossman
Top 5 Causes Leading to Construction Defect Litigation
The five most common causes of construction defect litigation are design defects, substandard materials, workmanship defects, code violations, and subsurface defects. Because these flaws can compromise a building’s integrity, functionality, or safety, they frequently lead to disputes involving multiple parties and high financial stakes. Key takeaways: What is Construction Defect Litigation? Construction litigation is complex, […]
Author: Paul Grossman
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.