The 2026 Gift Tax Rules Explained: How to Gift Cash, Stock, and Family Loans Correctly

Get your customized planning started by scheduling a no-cost discovery call: Many parents and grandparents want to help family financially, but gift tax rules are often misunderstood. In this episode, Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, breaks down the 2026 gift tax rules in plain English, including how much you can give without triggering tax, when gifting appreciated stock makes sense, and how to properly structure family loans using IRS guidelines. We also explain when a gift tax return is required—and why filing one doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll owe tax. If you’re considering gifting money to children or grandchildren, this episode will help you do it the right way. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🧾 Gifts over the limit require filing IRS Form 709 🧱 Using appreciated stock instead of cash to potentially lower taxes 📉 Kids in lower tax brackets can sell gifted stock at reduced or zero tax 📝 Family loans are an alternative to large gifts and offer more control 🧠 Gifting strategy should consider estate size, tax brackets, and family dynamics Our website: Phone: 855.TWD.PLAN Contact our team: Check out our other no-cost financial resources here: Watch the show now on YouTube:

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The 2026 Gift Tax Rules Explained: How to Gift Cash, Stock, and Family Loans Correctly is an episode from Retire Smarter by Kevin Kroskey, CFP® & Tyler Emrick, CFA® CFP®.

This episode is 13:05 long.

This episode was published on Jan 29, 2026.

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