One issue that many individuals forget about when they approach the idea of gifting is the issue surrounding possible taxes. Most Americans are aware that each person may gift up to $13,000 annually to anyone they choose without the need to file a gift tax return. Many Americans are also aware that, under the 2012 laws, when they die, they may gift up to $5,120,000 without incurring any gift tax liability. In these cases, a gift tax return must be filed but there will be no gift tax due. The forgotten tax is the potential capital gains tax.
When an individual gifts an asset, the asset retains the original basis (the donor’s basis). This differs from an inheritance at death. When an individual receives an inheritance, the inherited assets receive a step up in tax basis to the current market value. The individual therefore does not have to pay any capital gains taxes if they decide to liquidate the assets to cash.
Let’s assume I have stock worth $100,000 that I wish to give to my daughter, Erin. I originally paid $50,000 for the stock several years earlier. If I gift Erin the stock, she retains my basis of $50,000 in the stock (now worth $100,000). When she sells the stock, she will have to pay capital gains tax on the growth. In my example she would pay capital gains tax on $50,000 (stock worth $100,000 less the basis of $50,000), if she liquidated the stock upon receipt of it. It is important to remember this “forgotten” tax when looking at gifting strategies with the end of the year quickly approaching.
For more information or to schedule a free consultation with an MH estate planning attorney, contact us today at 888.222.1328.
What the Attorneys of Morris Hall Can Do For You:
The attorneys at Morris Hall have 100’s of years of combined experience ensuring that families’ assets are protected from probate, unnecessary taxes, creditors, ex-spouses and Medicaid spend-down. The attorneys also help those in Arizona to apply for and receive Medicaid assistance and Veterans Benefits. Our Arizona offices are located in Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, Tucson, Prescott, Flagstaff and Arrowhead. Contact us today at 888.222.1328 to schedule an appointment!
This blog should be used for informational purposes only. It does not create an attorney-client relationship with any reader and should not be construed as legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney in your community who can assess the specifics of your situation.
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