Loopholes > Federal > Marital Settlement Gift Tax Exclusion
DEDUCTION HIGH SAVINGS INDIVIDUAL

Marital Settlement Gift Tax Exclusion

IRC §2516

Transfers of property made pursuant to a written separation agreement are deemed to be for full consideration and exempt from gift tax if divorce occurs within a specific 3-year window.

Eligibility

Spouses entering a written agreement where divorce occurs within the period beginning 1 year before and ending 2 years after the agreement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the Marital Settlement Gift Tax Exclusion?

Spouses entering a written agreement where divorce occurs within the period beginning 1 year before and ending 2 years after the agreement.

How does the Marital Settlement Gift Tax Exclusion work?

Transfers of property made pursuant to a written separation agreement are deemed to be for full consideration and exempt from gift tax if divorce occurs within a specific 3-year window.

What law authorizes the Marital Settlement Gift Tax Exclusion?

The Marital Settlement Gift Tax Exclusion is authorized under IRC §2516 of the Internal Revenue Code (Title 26, United States Code).

Statutory Text — IRC §2516

Source: Internal Revenue Code, Title 26, United States Code

§ 2516. Certain property settlements Where a husband and wife enter into a written agreement relative to their marital and property rights and divorce occurs within the 3-year period beginning on the date 1 year before such agreement is entered into (whether or not such agreement is approved by the divorce decree), any transfers of property or interests in property made pursuant to such agreement—(1) to either spouse in settlement of his or her marital or property rights, or (2) to provide a reasonable allowance for the support of issue of the marriage during minority, shall be deemed to be transfers made for a full and adequate consideration in money or money’s worth. (Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 409; Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title IV, § 425(b), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 804.) Editorial Notes Amendments1984—Pub. L. 98–369 substituted in introductory text “within the 3-year period beginning on the date 1 year before such agreement is entered into” for “within 2 years thereafter”. Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries Effective Date of 1984 AmendmentPub. L. 98–369, div. A, title IV, § 425(c)(2), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 804, provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (b) [amending this section] shall apply to transfers after the date of the enactment of this Act [July 18, 1984].”