Question

Is it worth making annual gifts to reduce my estate now that the exemption is $15 million?

Answer

Even with a higher exemption, annual gifting remains a useful strategy for many families. The annual gift exclusion — $19,000 per recipient in 2026 — allows you to transfer wealth free of gift tax without reducing your lifetime exemption. Consistent gifting can meaningfully reduce the taxable value of an estate, particularly as wealth grows through investment returns or business appreciation.

About Mercer Advisors

We exist so you don’t have to worry about money. For more than 40 years, we’ve taken the sophisticated, time-tested approach that many ultra-high net worth individuals use to help manage their financial lives and made it accessible to more families.

Want to learn more about Mercer Advisors?