What is the gift tax limit for 2026?
Under Revenue Procedure 2025-32, the first $19,000 of gifts to any person in 2026 is not counted as a taxable gift. The limit applies to each person you give to, so you can give $19,000 to each of your children, grandchildren or friends.
The figure is the same as in 2025, according to the IRS gift tax FAQ.
How much can a married couple give?
Each spouse has their own exclusion, so together you can give $38,000 to each person in 2026. Gifts to your own spouse are not taxable gifts; if your spouse is not a U.S. citizen, the 2026 limit for gifts to them is $194,000.
What happens if I give more than $19,000?
You don’t pay tax right away. The amount above the limit reduces your lifetime basic exclusion, which is $15,000,000 in 2026, and you report it on Form 709, the gift tax return. Gift tax is only due once your lifetime gifts go past that exclusion. The person who receives the gift doesn’t pay it: the giver is generally responsible.
What doesn’t count toward the limit?
According to the IRS, these are not taxable gifts:
- Tuition or medical expenses you pay for someone (paid directly to the school or provider).
- Gifts to your spouse.
- Gifts to a political organization for its use.
Gifts to qualifying charities are deductible from the value of the gift. If you are saving up for a big present, plan it with the savings goal calculator.
Official sources
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32: 2026 inflation adjustments (tax brackets, standard deduction, credits) · section 4.42: annual exclusion for gifts; section 2.14: basic exclusion amount
- IRS: Frequently asked questions on gift taxes · annual exclusion by year, spouses and what is not a taxable gift