RE: Never look a gift tax horse in the mouth.

Nice analysis of a complex topic (tax rules) related to what should be a simple issue (being charitable toward others).

Here's an interesting factoid that is relevant (if you are trying to figure out better ways to give more of your money away):

If you are married and the person you are wanting to give a gift to is also married, then you can actually give $60k per year.

This is because

• you can give $15k to the person,
• you can give $15k to your spouse (doesn't count) and your spouse can give $15k to the person (doesn't count as being from you)
• you can give $15k to the person's spouse and the person's spouse can give the $15k to the person
• your spouse can give $15k to the person's spouse and the person's spouse can give the $15k to the person

BTW, the above is not tax advice. Just an observation. Consult with a tax attorney before giving away large sums of money.