Making Tax-Free Gift in 2025 and 2026

Sarah B

As the year winds down, you may be hoping to combine smart estate tax planning with tax savings using the annual gift tax exclusion. For 2025 and 2026, this exclusion is $19,000, which you may give in cash or property to any number of family members or friends, without gift tax implications. Married couples may be able to give up to $38,000 to any recipient.


Generally, married taxpayers can also gift an unlimited amount to their spouse without gift tax implications. However, if the spouse isn’t a U.S. citizen, the 2025 gift exclusion is limited to $190,000 (rising to $194,000 for 2026). Gifts exceeding that amount may require filing a federal gift tax return.



Each year you need to use your annual exclusions by Dec. 31. They don’t carry over from year to year. For example, if you don’t make an annual exclusion gift to your granddaughter this year, you can’t add this year’s unused exclusion to next year’s exclusion to make a $38,000 tax-free gift to her in 2026. Contact the office with questions.

November 2025 Newsletter

By Sarah Bolton • November 4, 2025
Our regularly updated newsletter provides timely articles to help you achieve your financial goals. Please come back and visit often. Feature Articles Bonus Depreciation and Other Year-End Tax-Saving Tools for Businesses 5 Smart Tips for Individual Year-End Tax Planning Throwing a Party for Your Workforce? Know the Tax Rules  Tax Tips Make Sure Every Donation Counts Making Tax-Free Gift in 2025 and 2026 Easier Reporting Rules for Some Forms Upcoming Tax Dates

November 2025: Upcoming Tax Due Dates

By Sarah Bolton • November 4, 2025
November 17 Employers: Deposit Social Security, Medicare and withheld income taxes for October if the monthly deposit rule applies. Employers: Deposit nonpayroll withheld income tax for October if the monthly deposit rule applies.  Calendar-year exempt organizations: File a 2024 information return (Form 990, Form 990-EZ or Form 990-PF) if a six-month extension was filed. Pay any tax, interest and penalties due. December 10 Individuals: Report November tip income of $20 or more to employers (Form 4070).

Easier Reporting Rules for Some Forms

By Sarah Bolton • November 4, 2025
A pesky reporting burden for businesses will be eased by legislation signed into law on July 4. Currently, businesses must issue a Form 1099-MISC to any payee (and to the IRS) when transactions reach $600 in a calendar year. And businesses that pay $600 or more for services rendered by an independent contractor must issue a Form 1099-NEC (Nonemployee Compensation). Beginning with payments made in 2026, the threshold rises from $600 to $2,000 and will be adjusted for inflation in subsequent years. This change simplifies compliance and reduces the risk of penalties for missed 1099 filings. However, businesses must continue to maintain accurate records of all payments.