Why Filing a Gift Tax Return Could Be Beneficial

If you've given a significant financial gift to a family member, you might be wondering whether you need to file a gift tax return. Even if no tax is due, filing IRS Form 709, Gift Tax Return, can be a wise decision. A timely filed gift tax return that meets the IRS's adequate disclosure requirements starts the clock on the statute of limitations. The 2024 gift tax return deadline is April 15, or October 15 with an extension.

Three-Year Time Limit

Generally, the IRS has three years to challenge the value of a transaction for gift tax purposes or to assert that a nongift was, in fact, a partial gift. However, unless the transaction is adequately disclosed, there's no time limit for reviewing it and assessing additional gift tax. This means the IRS can collect unpaid gift taxes — plus penalties and interest — years or even decades later.

Some may hesitate to file a gift tax return disclosing a non-gift transaction for fear of attracting IRS scrutiny. However, a carefully prepared gift tax return can be the best insurance against unpleasant tax surprises in the future.

Defining Adequate Disclosure

When you file a timely gift tax return that meets the adequate disclosure requirements, the IRS has only three years to challenge the gift's valuation. To meet these requirements, a return must include:

• A description of the transferred property and any consideration received,
• The identity of, and the relationship between, the transferor and each transferee,
• The trust's tax identification number and a brief description of its terms (or a copy of the trust instrument) if property is transferred to a trust,
• Either a detailed description of the method used to value the transferred property or a qualified appraisal,
• A statement describing any position taken that's contrary to any proposed, temporary or final tax regulations or revenue rulings published at the time of the transfer, and
• An explanation as to why transfers reported as nongifts aren't gifts.

Additional requirements apply to transfers of interests in a corporation, partnership (including a limited liability company) or trust to a member of the transferor's family. In addition to the above, adequate disclosure requires:

• A description of the transactions, including a description of the transferred and retained interests and the methods used to value each,
• The identity of, and relationship between, the transferor, transferee, all other persons participating in the transactions, and all parties related to the transferor holding an equity interest in any entity involved in the transaction, and
• A detailed description (including all actuarial factors and discount rates) of the method used (if any) to determine the amount of the gift, including, for equity interests that aren't actively traded, the financial and other data used to determine value.

Financial data generally includes balance sheets and statements of net earnings, operating results, and dividends paid for each of the preceding five years.

Gain Peace of Mind

Certain gifts, such as those involving trusts, real estate or business interests, should always be reported to the IRS to establish clear tax treatment. Filing a return creates a paper trail, reducing the risk of disputes later.

Even if a gift tax return isn't strictly required, filing one can provide peace of mind and strategic estate tax advantages. Contact us with any questions.