The 2018 gift tax return deadline is almost here
This article organizes the original guidance on the 2018 gift tax return deadline is almost here into clear sections for easier reading and reference.
Overview
This opening section presents the main context from the original post.
Did you make large gifts to your children, grandchildren, or other heirs last year? If so, it’s important to determine whether you’re required to file a 2018 gift tax return—or whether filing one would be beneficial even if it isn’t required.
Filing requirements
This section keeps the original guidance focused on filing requirements.
Generally, you must file a gift tax return for 2018 if, during the tax year, you made gifts:
- That exceeded the $15,000-per-recipient gift tax annual exclusion (other than to your U.S. citizen spouse),
- That you wish to split with your spouse to take advantage of your combined $30,000 annual exclusion,
- That exceeded the $152,000 annual exclusion for gifts to a noncitizen spouse,
- To a Section 529 college savings plan and wish to accelerate up to five years’ worth of annual exclusions ($75,000) into 2018,
- Of future interests—such as remainder interests in a trust—regardless of the amount, or
- Of jointly held or community property.
Keep in mind that you will owe gift tax only to the extent an exclusion doesn’t apply and you’ve used up your lifetime gift and estate tax exemption ($11.18 million for 2018). As you can see, some transfers require a return even if you do not owe tax.
No return required
This section keeps the original guidance focused on no return required.
No gift tax return is required if your gifts for the year consist solely of gifts that are tax-free because they qualify as:
- Annual exclusion gifts,
- Present interest gifts to a U.S. citizen spouse,
- Educational or medical expenses paid directly to a school or health care provider, or
- Political or charitable contributions.
But if you transferred hard-to-value property, such as artwork or interests in a family-owned business, consider filing a gift tax return even if you’re not required to. Adequate disclosure of the transfer in a return triggers the statute of limitations, generally preventing the IRS from challenging your valuation more than three years after you file.
Be ready for April 15
This section keeps the original guidance focused on be ready for april 15.
The gift tax return deadline is the same as the income tax filing deadline. For 2018 returns, it’s April 15, 2019—or October 15, 2019, if you file for an extension.
But keep in mind that, if you owe gift tax, the payment deadline is April 15, regardless of whether you file for an extension. If you’re not sure whether you must (or should) file a 2018 gift tax return, contact us.
Related Resources
These resources connect the article topic with related Bowers service pages and approved professional reading.
FAQ
The questions below summarize the main points already covered in the article.
What is the main focus of The 2018 gift tax return deadline is almost here?
The article focuses on the 2018 gift tax return deadline is almost here and organizes the original guidance into sections for easier review.
What topics does the article cover first?
The article begins with filing requirements and then continues through the remaining points in the original post.
Which additional areas are included?
Additional sections include no return required, be ready for april 15.
Does the post include action items or reminders?
Yes. The original post includes listed items that have been kept in list format for easier scanning.
Was the original post wording changed?
The revision keeps the author wording and updates the structure so the post is easier to read online.