Maybe. Federal law allows married couples to give each other an unlimited amount of property without gift tax during life or estate tax at death. Federal law does not recognize non-marriage relationships. However, each person gets to give up to his or her tax exclusion during their lifetime to anyone they want. But, any use during lifetime reduces the amount available for transfers at death. In addition, anyone can make a gift to any other person, called the Annual Gift Tax Exclusion, without gift tax and without reducing his or her estate tax exclusion.
About Seth Bier
Seth Bier is an estate planning attorney serving Redondo Beach, Palos Verdes Peninsula, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Torrance, and families throughout the South Bay. His practice focuses on trust planning, probate avoidance, and long-term inheritance protection strategies.
