What is the annual gift exclusion for 2026?

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The IRS lists $19,000 per recipient for 2026. The exclusion applies to each recipient separately, and one donor's gifts to the same recipient during the year are added together. Tuition paid directly to a school and medical expenses paid directly to a provider are excluded separately and don't use the $19,000. Gifts of a future interest — including many gifts in trust — don't qualify for the ordinary annual exclusion; a qualified tax professional can review gifts involving trusts or other unusual arrangements.