Gift Tax Exemptions 2026: Rules and Amounts

Gifting is a common way to transfer wealth to children, family members, or third parties in a tax-efficient manner. Each year, the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration (Belastingdienst) sets exemption limits for gift tax. If a gift stays within these exemptions, the recipient does not have to pay gift tax.

In this article, you will read how gift tax exemptions work, which rules and points of interest apply, and how gifting is implemented in practice.

Additionally, we will specifically address gifting in the form of gold, silver, or other precious metals. This is a form of gifting that is increasingly being considered due to its stability in value.

This article is updated annually based on the guidelines of the Belastingdienst.

What is gift tax in the Netherlands?

Gift tax is the tax that the Belastingdienst may levy when someone receives money, goods, or other assets without providing anything in return.

Legally, a gift occurs as soon as wealth is voluntarily transferred and the recipient is enriched as a result.

In most cases, the recipient of the gift (the donee) is liable for the tax, not the donor. The amount of gift tax depends on:

• the value of the gift
• the relationship between the donor and recipient
• and whether the gift falls within an applicable exemption

Not every gift leads to taxation. The Belastingdienst sets annual exemptions, allowing a certain amount to be gifted tax-free.

What counts as a gift?

A gift does not exclusively have to consist of money. Other forms of wealth also fall under gift tax, such as:

• cash or a bank transfer
• goods with value (for example, art or jewelry)
• physical gold, silver, or other precious metals
• the waiving of a debt
• selling an asset for an unrealistically low price

For gift tax purposes, the Belastingdienst always looks at the fair market value at the time of the gift.

When is no gift tax due?

No gift tax is due when:

• the gift stays within the annual exemption
• a specific increased exemption applies
• or when the gift is legally exempt

If the gift stays within the exemption, gift tax usually does not need to be paid. In some cases, a tax return is still required, for example, when utilizing an increased exemption.

Gift tax and gifts in kind

For gifts in kind, such as gifting gold or silver, the same tax principles apply as for a monetary gift. The Belastingdienst assesses:

• the objective market value of the precious metal
• at the moment the gift takes place

This means that the current value, not the purchase price, is decisive in determining whether gift tax is due.

Gift tax rates 2026

When a gift exceeds the exemption, the recipient pays gift tax on the portion above the exemption. The rates depend on the relationship between the donor and recipient as well as the value of the gift.

How is the calculation made?

First, subtract the relevant exemption from the value of the gift. Pay gift tax on the remaining amount according to the table below.

Up to what amount is a gift tax-free in 2026?

In 2026, you may gift various amounts tax-free, depending on the relationship between the donor and the recipient and the type of exemption. Within these limits, the recipient does not have to pay any gift tax.

These exemptions apply per calendar year and per donor. The one-time increased exemptions may only be used once and instead of the regular annual exemption.

You now know the current gift tax rates applicable in the Netherlands. We will now further explain how this tax works and the laws and regulations regarding making a gift.

Gold, silver and other precious metals are also subject to the gifting tax.

Gift tax exemptions 2026: how does it work?

The Belastingdienst sets annual exemptions for gift tax. These exemptions determine the amount you can gift tax-free. If the value of the gift stays within the applicable exemption, the recipient pays no gift tax. If the exemption is exceeded, only the excess is taxed.

The level of the exemption depends on the relationship between the donor and the recipient. The closer the relationship, the higher the exemption. Exemptions apply per calendar year and are reset every year.

Why do gift tax exemptions exist?

Exemptions are intended to:

• enable smaller and customary gifts without tax consequences
• facilitate the transfer of wealth within families
• prevent everyday financial support from being immediately taxed

This allows parents, partners, and others to transfer wealth annually without immediate tax liability.

Which gift exemptions are available?

The Belastingdienst distinguishes between different categories of recipients. Each category has its own exemption amount.

1. Exemption for gifts from parents to children

Parents may gift their children a tax-free amount annually. This exemption applies:

• per parent-child relationship
• per calendar year

When both parents gift, this can (under certain conditions) be combined. The exemption applies to all forms of gifting, including money, goods, or precious metals.

2. One-time increased exemption

In addition to the annual exemption, a child may, under certain conditions, make use of a one-time increased exemption. Characteristics include:

• the exemption may only be applied once
• there is an age limit for the child
• the gift must be correctly declared to the Belastingdienst

This arrangement is often used for larger wealth transfers but requires careful documentation.

3. Exemption for partners

A significantly higher exemption applies between fiscal partners. Gifts between partners remain completely tax-free up to this limit. This allows for tax-efficient redistribution of wealth within a household.

4. Exemption for other persons

For gifts to persons who are not a partner or child, such as grandchildren, other family members, or third parties, a lower annual exemption applies. Here, too, only the amount above the exemption is taxed.

How is the exemption applied?

The exemption is applied based on the value of the gift. The following applies:

• The value is determined at the time of the gift
• For monetary gifts, this is the amount gifted
• For gifts in kind, the fair market value applies

When multiple gifts occur within one calendar year, they are added together. If the total exceeds the exemption, gift tax is due on the excess.

Exemptions and gifting in gold or precious metals

Exemptions for gift tax are not limited to money. The same system applies when gifting:

• gold
• silver
• or other precious metals

The Belastingdienst looks at the weight and purity and the current market value on the date of the gift.

This means a gift in precious metals can be entirely tax-free, provided the market value stays within the applicable exemption.

What happens if the exemption is exceeded?

When the value of the gift is higher than the exemption:

• the recipient is liable for gift tax on the excess
• a gift tax return must be filed
• the applicable tax rate based on the relationship applies

It is therefore not the case that the entire gift is taxed, but only the portion above the exemption.

When must you file a gift tax return?

Whether you must file a gift tax return depends not only on the amount of the gift but also on the type of exemption being applied. In many cases, filing is mandatory, even when no gift tax is ultimately due.

The Dutch Tax and Customs Administration (Belastingdienst) maintains clear rules regarding this.

Filing is mandatory in the following situations

You must file a gift tax return if one or more of the situations below apply.

The gift exceeds the exemption

If you receive a gift that exceeds the applicable exemption, then:

• you must always file a gift tax return
• you will pay gift tax on the portion exceeding the exemption

This applies regardless of whether the gift is made in cash or in kind.

You are utilizing a one-time increased exemption

When you make use of a one-time increased exemption, filing is always mandatory. Even if:

• the gift falls entirely within this increased exemption
• you do not owe any gift tax on balance

The Belastingdienst uses the return to record that the increased exemption has been utilized. Without a return, the right to this exemption is forfeited.

The Belastingdienst explicitly requests a return

In some cases, the Belastingdienst may specifically request a return—for example, if there is lack of clarity regarding the value of the gift, for gifts in kind, or based on signals from previous tax returns. In such cases, you are obliged to file a return, regardless of the amount.

When is a return usually not necessary?

In the following situations, you generally do not need to file a gift tax return:

• the gift stays entirely within the annual exemption
• no increased exemption is applied
• the Belastingdienst does not request a return

Note: “Usually” does not mean “always.” When in doubt, filing a return is often wiser than omitting it.

The value of a gift is decided on the market value at the moment of gifting.

Gifting with gold, silver, or other precious metals

A gift does not have to consist solely of money. Physical gold, silver, or other precious metals can also be gifted.

Fiscally, the Belastingdienst (Dutch Tax Authority) treats a gift in precious metals in the same way as a monetary gift. The general rules for gift tax and exemptions are therefore fully applicable.

Those who gift precious metals would do well to study the taxation of precious metals, as valuation and tax assessment differ from monetary gifts.

Do precious metals fall under gift tax?

Yes. Precious metals such as gold and silver are classified by the Belastingdienst as assets. When you transfer these without consideration, it constitutes a gift.

This means that:

• the value of the precious metal counts toward gift tax
• the applicable exemptions also apply here
• only the amount above the exemption is taxed

As long as the market value stays within the annual or one-time exemption, the gift is completely tax-free.

How does the Belastingdienst determine the value of precious metals?

For gifts in kind, the Belastingdienst looks at the fair market value (waarde in het economisch verkeer) at the time of the gift. For precious metals, this means:

• the weight (e.g., in grams or troy ounces)
• the purity (e.g., 999.9/24 karat)
• the current market price on the date of the gift

The current value, not the original purchase price, is decisive. With fluctuating precious metal prices, this difference can be significant. In practice, calculations are often based on the spot price of gold or silver multiplied by the exact fine weight.

When is gifting with precious metals interesting?

Gifting gold or silver is often considered in situations where:

• one wants to transfer wealth in a diversified manner
• one wants to gift value that is not dependent on currency
• one prefers not to transfer large sums of cash
• one wants to gift a tangible and durable form of wealth

Practical points of interest when gifting gold or silver

When gifting precious metals, there are several practical matters to consider:

Documentation of the gift

Clearly record what is being gifted, when the gift takes place, and the determined value. This can be done, for example, via a simple written statement.

Moment of gifting

The value is determined on the day of transfer. This can be relevant in the event of strong price movements in the precious metals market.

Storage and transfer

With physical precious metals, questions also arise regarding where the gold or silver is stored and how the actual transfer takes place (e.g., to minors).

Gift tax return for precious metals

The filing rules are identical to those for monetary gifts: if the value stays within the exemption, a return is usually not required. If the limit is exceeded or an increased exemption is used, filing is mandatory.

The Belastingdienst may ask for substantiation of the value used; therefore, transparent valuation is important.

Tax considerations when gifting

Impact on assets and Box 3
A gift counts toward the recipient's assets. This applies to both money and precious metals. The value is included in Box 3 as of January 1st of the following year. Read more about the box 3 annual valuation here.

Consequences for benefits (allowances)
Due to the increased assets, benefits such as healthcare or rent allowance may be reduced or terminated, especially with gifts to (young) adult children.

Relationship with inheritance tax
Gifts reduce the future taxable estate. By gifting in a staggered manner, the inheritance tax due upon death can be limited.

Valuation of gifts in kind
For gold, silver, and other precious metals, the fair market value at the time of gifting applies. Proper documentation prevents disputes.

Importance of careful planning
Exemptions and rules change regularly. The Belastingdienst is always leading; for larger gifts, seeking professional advice is wise.

Conclusion: these are the gift tax rules and exemptions

Gift tax plays an important role in the transfer of wealth. By utilizing annual exemptions and having insight into rates, filing obligations, and tax consequences, you can plan gifts carefully and efficiently.

This applies to both monetary gifts and gifting gold, silver, or other precious metals. Because rules and amounts change annually, up-to-date knowledge is essential. With a well-thought-out approach, gifting can not only save tax but also contribute to structured wealth planning for now and the future.