When Are Gift & Estate Taxes Due?
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Are you aware of the deadlines for gift and estate taxes? Unlike traditional tax schedules, gift, estate, and inheritance taxes don’t have a specific day each year that they are due, making it easy to accidentally miss a deadline resulting in penalties or late fees.
Understanding Gift & Estate Taxes
Gift and estate taxes are a set of taxes imposed on gifts, inheritances, and estates. These taxes are separate from any other income tax you may owe in the same period.
When a gift or estate becomes taxable is dependent on which state you live in.
Gift Taxes
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2025 & 2026:
$19,000 per recipient
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Subject to federal gift tax rules
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Subject to federal gift tax rules
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Subject to federal gift tax rules
Estate Taxes
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2025:
$13.99 million per individual
$27.98 million for married couples
2026:
$15 million per individual
$30 million for married couples
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Estates with over $5 million in assets with a maximum tax rate of 16%
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Subject to federal estate tax rules
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Estates with over $4,873,200 in assets. The maximum tax rate is 16%.
Deadlines for Gift and Estate Taxes
The federal government handles the majority of gift and estate taxes, but some states also impose their own rules on these types of taxes.
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Gift Taxes:
Due April 15 of the year after the gift is made.
You can file for an extension with Form 8892.
Estate Taxes:
Due 9 months after the death has occurred.
You can file for an extension with Form 4768.
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Maryland has no gift tax. Gifts are subject to federal gift tax rules.
Estate Taxes:
Due 9 months after the death has occurred.
You can file for an extension with Form MET-1E.
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No state filing or payment is required beyond federal obligations.
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D.C. does not impose a separate gift tax. Federal gift tax rules apply.
Estate Taxes:
Due 10 months after the death has occurred.
You can file for an extension with Form D-76E.
Questions
Knowing the important deadlines is just one part of the gift and estate taxes. It's also important to think ahead to take advantage of all the tax benefits available. Have questions about gift and estate tax deadlines? Our tax planning advisors are here to help. Contact us.