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The Global Insight

Can I gift my stocks to my son?

Author

Mia Phillips

Updated on March 13, 2026

You’ll be able to transfer existing shares of stock, mutual funds or other securities from your account to the custodial account, or buy specific securities directly within the custodial account. The child will take control of the account when they hit a certain age — typically 18 or 21, depending on the state.

How much can you gift a grandchild in 2020?

For 2019 and 2020, the annual gift tax exclusion sits at $15,000. This applies per individual. So you can give $15,000 in cash or property to your son, daughter and granddaughter each without worrying about a gift tax. If you and your spouse make a gift jointly, the exclusion is $30,000.

Can grandparents gifting shares to grandchildren?

If you are a grandparent gifting shares to your grandchildren, it’s a slightly different story. Although you will be liable for any capital gains tax at the time of the gift, it’s your grandchildren who will be taxed on any dividends they receive (not the grandparents or parents).

Are gifts of shares taxable?

The good news is that there is no Capital Gains Tax on gifts of assets (including shares) you give to your spouse or civil partner. However, in the case of a gift of shares, the market value of the shares at the time of disposal is taken into account for capital gains tax and inheritance tax purposes.

What are the tax consequences of gifting stock?

By gifting appreciated stock, you avoid any long-term capital gains tax liability that you would otherwise owe in the future. Any capital gain liability does transfer to the recipient of your gift – there is no “step-up” in cost basis when gifting stock; this occurs only at death.

What can grandparents give to their grandkids?

Words are powerful, and in the hands of a grandparent, they can become a gift of incomparable value. Think about it! You have so much to share with your grandkids. One of the ways you can use the gift of intentional talk is to help your grandchild get to know God.

How much money can grandparents give their grandchildren?

Grandchildren get to have experiences they wouldn’t have otherwise, and the grandparents get to see them enjoy it. Such expenses count against the $14,000 gift allowance, though, so grandparents who want to do both should plan accordingly.

What are the tax rules for giving stocks to a grandchild?

It means you have to file the gift tax form, which is Form 709, and that just eats into your lifetime unified gift estate exemption, which is $11.4 million per person. Am I getting this right? I always have to look at Megan to make sure I get all this right. Basically it just lowers that.

What happens if I gift shares to my son?

However, if the shares are gifted and no consideration is paid a stamp duty gift exemption relief can be claimed which is likely to reduce the stamp duty costs to nil. For inheritance tax purposes, a gift of shares from you to your son would constitute what is known as a lifetime transfer.