What is the gift tax limit for 2027?
$20,000 per recipient, up from $19,000 in 2026. You can give that much to as many people as you like without filing a gift tax return.
Gift tax limit 2027: $20,000 per person
In 2027 you can give $20,000 to each person, $40,000 as a married couple, without a gift tax return. Above that, gifts come off a $15.48 million lifetime exemption before any tax is due.
Per person, 2027$20,000$19,000 in 2026
Married couple$40,000per person, splitting gifts
Lifetime exemption$15.48 million$15 million in 2026
Tax past the exemption40%on gifts and estates
Check a gift
Over the $20,000 exclusion
$30,000- Gift tax due now
- $0
- Form 709 needed
- Yes
- Lifetime exemption left after
- $15,450,000
- 2027 lifetime exemption, per person
- $15,480,000
Gift tax exclusion by year
| Year | Per person | Married couple | Lifetime exemption |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | $20,000 | $40,000 | $15,480,000 |
| 2026 | $19,000 | $38,000 | $15,000,000 |
| 2025 | $19,000 | $38,000 | $13,990,000 |
| 2024 | $18,000 | $36,000 | $13,610,000 |
| 2023 | $17,000 | $34,000 | $12,920,000 |
| 2022 | $16,000 | $32,000 | $12,060,000 |
| 2021 | $15,000 | $30,000 | $11,700,000 |
| 2020 | $15,000 | $30,000 | $11,580,000 |
| 2019 | $15,000 | $30,000 | $11,400,000 |
| 2018 | $15,000 | $30,000 | $11,180,000 |
| 2017 | $14,000 | $28,000 | $5,490,000 |
| 2016 | $14,000 | $28,000 | $5,450,000 |
| 2015 | $14,000 | $28,000 | $5,430,000 |
| 2014 | $14,000 | $28,000 | $5,340,000 |
| 2013 | $14,000 | $28,000 | $5,250,000 |
| 2012 | $13,000 | $26,000 | $5,120,000 |
| 2011 | $13,000 | $26,000 | $5,000,000 |
The lifetime exemption is the basic exclusion amount, shared by gifts and the estate. Years before 2027: IRS gift tax FAQs and IRS estate and gift tax.
Source: IRS Rev. Proc. 2026-35 and gift tax FAQs, data through 2027.
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Citation
insytesBI. (2027). Gift tax limit 2027: $20,000 per person. Data: IRS Rev. Proc. 2026-35 and gift tax FAQs, 2027. https://www.insytesbi.com/gift-tax-limit/Link
<a href="https://www.insytesbi.com/gift-tax-limit/">Gift tax limit 2027: $20,000 per person</a>Frequently asked questions
How much can a married couple give in 2027?
$40,000 to each person, when both spouses give or they agree to split a gift on Form 709. Gifts to a spouse who is a U.S. citizen have no limit.
What is the lifetime gift and estate tax exemption for 2027?
$15,480,000 per person, up from $15,000,000 in 2026. Gifts above the yearly exclusion use it up during your life, and what is left shelters your estate.
Do I pay tax if I give more than the limit?
Almost never. You file Form 709 and the amount over the exclusion comes off your lifetime exemption. Tax is due only once your lifetime gifts pass $15.48 million, at 40% on the excess.
When is Form 709 due?
By the income tax deadline the next year: Thursday, April 15, 2027 for 2026 gifts and Tuesday, April 18, 2028 for 2027 gifts. An income tax extension extends Form 709 too.
Which gifts do not count toward the limit?
Tuition or medical bills you pay directly to the school or provider, gifts to your spouse, gifts to a political organization, and gifts to qualifying charities.
What about a spouse who is not a U.S. citizen?
Gifts to a spouse who is not a U.S. citizen are excluded up to $201,000 in 2027 ($194,000 in 2026), instead of having no limit.