What Is the Tax Treatment of Gifts in Kind, Such as Jewelry or Cars?

Gifts in kind, such as jewelry, cars, or other tangible assets, are subject to specific tax treatments. These types of gifts are not typically taxed as income for the recipient but may have implications for both the donor and the recipient, including gift tax, capital gains tax, and reporting requirements. Proper valuation of the gift is crucial for tax purposes.

Tax Treatment of Gifts in Kind (Jewelry, Cars, Tangible Assets):

Gift Tax:

Gifts of tangible assets like jewelry or cars are subject to gift tax if their value exceeds the annual gift tax exclusion. The exclusion limit varies by country. For example, in the U.S., the annual exclusion for gifts in 2025 is $17,000 per recipient.

If the value of the gift exceeds this threshold, the donor may be required to file a Gift Tax Return (Form 709 in the U.S.) to report the gift. However, the donor generally does not have to pay tax unless the total gifts exceed their lifetime exemption.

Lifetime Exemption:

In the U.S., as of 2025, the lifetime exemption is $12.92 million. If the donor’s lifetime total gifts exceed this amount, they may owe gift tax.

Valuation of Gifts in Kind:

The value of the gift in kind (e.g., a piece of jewelry or a car) must be properly valued at the time of the gift for tax purposes. The fair market value (FMV) is used to determine the gift's value, which may differ from its purchase price or sentimental value.

Jewelry:

The FMV of jewelry is typically determined by appraisals based on the current market conditions, which could include comparisons with similar items sold at auction or retail.

Cars:

For cars, the FMV can often be determined using online valuation tools, such as Kelley Blue Book (KBB) or NADA, which factor in the make, model, year, and condition of the vehicle.

Recipient’s Tax Obligations:

Gift Tax:

In most cases, the recipient of a gift does not have to pay gift tax. The tax responsibility falls on the donor. However, if the donor does not report the gift or if it exceeds the annual exclusion limit, the recipient might face penalties for not reporting the gift correctly.

Income Tax:

Gifts in kind, like jewelry or cars, are not taxable as income to the recipient. However, if the recipient later sells the gift, any profit made on the sale could be subject to capital gains tax.

Capital Gains Tax for the Recipient:

If the recipient sells the gift in the future, they may owe capital gains tax on the difference between the sale price and the cost basis of the gift. The cost basis for gifts is typically the donor’s original purchase price (i.e., the donor’s cost basis), not the fair market value at the time of the gift.

For example, if a donor gives a car worth $10,000 but purchased it for $5,000, the recipient’s cost basis is $5,000. If the recipient sells the car for $8,000, they will have a capital gain of $3,000 and be taxed on that gain.

Capital Gains Tax for Collectibles:

Gifts such as jewelry, art, or rare cars may be classified as collectibles, which could be subject to a higher capital gains tax rate if sold later.

Reporting Requirements:

For the Donor:

If the value of the gift exceeds the annual exclusion, the donor is required to file a gift tax return (Form 709 in the U.S.) even if no gift tax is due.

For the Recipient:

In most cases, the recipient is not required to report the gift, unless the gift exceeds certain thresholds or if it is a gift from a foreign source, in which case they may need to report it to tax authorities.

Gifts to Charity:

If the gift in kind (e.g., jewelry or a car) is donated to a qualified charitable organization, the donor may be eligible for a tax deduction. The value of the donated asset is usually based on its fair market value at the time of the donation. The donor will need a written acknowledgment from the charity for the donation to be deductible.

Example:

If a donor gives a piece of jewelry worth $25,000 to a family member:

Gift Tax:

If the donor has already used their annual exclusion for other gifts, they will need to file a gift tax return (Form 709 in the U.S.) and report the $25,000 gift. The amount above the annual exclusion may be applied toward their lifetime exemption.

Valuation:

The jewelry will need to be appraised to determine its fair market value for gift tax purposes.

Capital Gains Tax:

If the recipient later sells the jewelry for $30,000, they will pay capital gains tax on the $5,000 profit, based on the donor’s original purchase price (cost basis).

Conclusion:

Gifts in kind, such as jewelry, cars, and other tangible assets, are subject to gift tax rules if their value exceeds the annual exclusion limit. The donor is typically responsible for reporting and paying any gift tax, while the recipient does not owe tax on receiving the gift. However, if the recipient sells the gift in the future, they may face capital gains tax on any profit made, based on the donor’s original cost basis.