Gifting with Purpose: How to Make Tax-Efficient Gifts to Loved Ones This Holiday Season

The holiday season is a time of giving, and for many families, it’s also a great opportunity to think about how their gifts can do more than bring joy — they can create meaningful financial benefits for both the giver and the recipient. With thoughtful planning, you can make tax-efficient gifts that help your loved ones today while potentially reducing the size of your taxable estate. Here’s how.

Take Advantage of the Annual Gift Tax Exclusion

Every year, the IRS allows you to give a certain amount to as many people as you’d like without triggering gift taxes. For 2024, this annual gift tax exclusion amount is $18,000 per recipient. That means you could give $18,000 to each of your children, grandchildren, or friends — and if you’re married, your spouse can do the same, effectively doubling the exclusion to $36,000 per recipient.

Example: If you have two children and one grandchild, you and your spouse could gift a total of $108,000 this year without impacting your lifetime gift and estate tax exemption. It’s a win-win: your loved ones benefit from the funds now, and you reduce the size of your taxable estate.

Cover Educational or Medical Expenses Directly

Did you know that some gifts don’t count toward your annual exclusion at all? Payments made directly to an educational institution for tuition or to a healthcare provider for medical expenses are entirely tax-free and unlimited.

Example: If your grandchild is attending college, you could pay their tuition directly to the school without it counting against your $18,000 annual exclusion. Similarly, if a loved one has high medical bills, you could cover those costs directly to the provider.

Fund a 529 Plan for Future Education

If you’re thinking about the long-term future of a child or grandchild, contributing to a 529 college savings plan is an excellent option. These accounts grow tax-free as long as the funds are used for qualified education expenses. Better yet, you can front-load up to five years of annual gift exclusions at once.

Example: Let’s say you want to help a newborn grandchild get a head start on their education. In 2024, you could contribute $90,000 ($18,000 x 5 years) into their 529 plan, effectively making a large gift now while still staying within IRS guidelines. Your spouse could do the same, doubling the contribution to $180,000.

Plan Thoughtfully

Gifting can be a powerful way to share your wealth while reducing your tax burden, but it’s essential to do it strategically. If you’re considering making significant gifts this holiday season, consult with an estate planning attorney to ensure you’re maximizing the benefits.

This holiday season, let your gifts be more than thoughtful — let them be purposeful. 🎁