In 2025, you can give up to $19,000 per person in gifts tax-free without having to file a gift tax return or pay gift tax. If you are married, you and your spouse can each give $19,000 to the same person, effectively doubling the amount to $38,000 per recipient tax-free. You can gift this amount to as many people as you like without triggering gift tax reporting requirements. If the gift amount to any one person exceeds $19,000, you must file IRS Form 709, but you generally will not owe gift tax unless you have exceeded your lifetime gift and estate tax exemption, which is $13.99 million per individual in 2025. This lifetime exemption is planned to increase to $15 million starting in 2026. Certain gifts, such as those to spouses, charitable organizations, educational institutions (for tuition), and healthcare providers (for medical costs), may also be exempt from gift tax regardless of the amount.
