California does not levy a gift tax, however, the federal government does. That tax rate can climb to as high as 40%. Still, there are plenty of ways you can minimize the hit or avoid it all together. For 2025, you can give up to $19,000 to any individual without triggering a gift tax, which is up from $18,000 in 2024.
Share: Taxpayers use IRS Form 709 to report gifts. Filing the form with the IRS is the responsibility of the giver, but it's only required in certain gift giving situations. Take for instance the check Grandma writes for your birthday each year.
All gift and GST taxes must be figured and filed on a calendar year basis. List all reportable gifts made during the calendar year on one Form 709. This means you must file a separate return for each calendar year a reportable gift is given (for example, a gift given in 2024 must be reported on a 2024 Form 709).
Taxpayers use IRS Form 709 to report gifts. Filing the form with the IRS is the responsibility of the giver, but it's only required in certain gift giving situations. Take for instance the check Grandma writes for your birthday each year.
How Do I Write a Gift Letter? The donor's name, address and phone number. The donor's relationship to the client. The dollar amount of the gift. The date when the funds were (or will be) transferred. A statement from the donor that no repayment is expected. The donor's signature.
Making a gift or leaving your estate to your heirs does not ordinarily affect your federal income tax. You cannot deduct the value of gifts you make (other than gifts that are deductible charitable contributions).