What is changing with gift taxes in 2026? How much can I give to each child

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• October 12, 2026

For 2026, the key thing to know is that you can generally give each child up to $19,000 during the year without having to file a federal gift tax return. If you’re married, you and your spouse may generally give a combined $38,000 per child without filing a gift tax return, assuming each spouse makes a qualifying gift.

You can give more than these amounts, too. Exceeding the annual limit generally doesn’t mean you immediately owe gift tax—it may mean you need to file a gift tax return and use part of your lifetime gift and estate tax exemption.

What’s changing in 2026?

The main change is the increase in the lifetime federal gift and estate tax exemption to $15 million per person, up from $13.99 million in 2025. The annual gift exclusion, however, remains at $19,000 per recipient.

Federal gift tax rule	2026 amount
Annual gift limit per child, per parent	$19,000
Combined gift from two parents per child	$38,000
Lifetime exemption per individual	$15 million
Potential combined lifetime exemption for married couples	$30 million

The lifetime exemption is subject to applicable rules, including prior taxable gifts and, for married couples, requirements for using a deceased spouse’s unused exemption.

Examples: How much can you give your children?

• One child: You can give $19,000; your spouse can give another $19,000.
• Two children: You can give $19,000 to each child, or $38,000 total. Together, you and your spouse could give $76,000.
• Three children: You can give $57,000 total. As a couple, you could give $114,000.

These amounts apply to gifts made during the calendar year, and gifts from each donor are considered separately.

Can you give more than $19,000 to a child?

Yes. If you give one child $50,000 in 2026, the excess over the $19,000 annual exclusion is generally $31,000. You may need to file IRS Form 709, but you typically would not owe gift tax immediately if you have enough lifetime exemption remaining.

There are also special rules for qualifying tuition payments made directly to an educational institution and qualifying medical expenses paid directly to the provider. These payments may be excluded from gift tax without using the annual exclusion.

My recommendation

If you’re planning to transfer significant money or assets to your children, talk with your accountant before making the gifts. You may be able to structure your giving to take advantage of annual exclusions while also managing your lifetime estate and gift tax exposure.