There's a difference between leaving money to your family and giving it to them. One happens after you're gone. The other lets you see the impact. The annual gift exclusion is one straightforward way to do the latter.
For 2026, the IRS says that each person can give up to $19,000 per recipient, free of gift tax. A married couple can combine up to $38,000 per recipient, with no gift tax return required and no reduction to the lifetime exemption.
For example, a couple with two adult children and four grandchildren can transfer up to $228,000 this year under the current rules.
Done consistently, annual gifting can help manage a taxable estate while putting money to work for the people you care about, now.
🎁 If you haven't reviewed your gifting strategy for 2026, there's still time. The window closes on December 31.