In a bid to qualify for Medicaid Benefits, some seniors may consider gifting large assets, such as their homes, to their children, friends or other family members. While doing this type of Medicaid Planning may seem like a shrewd strategy, such an action can have unintended consequences for both the giver and the recipient.

Families should understand the limitations on gift-giving and possible periods of ineligibility for government benefits such as Medicaid.

Tax liabilities for large gifts

When gifting large assets, United States residents must report property transfers exceeding a specified amount to the Internal Revenue Service. Failure to report gifts may result in hefty fines and even criminal charges. Additionally, gifting large amounts of money or property can trigger federal and state taxes, depending on the location.

Since the government has a clear view of a person’s finances through tax returns, hiding such a transaction is either impossible or illegal. When a person disposes of an asset and does not receive fair market value in return, the government typically imposes a period of ineligibility for benefits. Responsible authorities consider a look-back period of five years for uncompensated transfers.

Harm to a spouse

Gifting a home can have severe repercussions for marriage mates if one dies. For example, if an elderly parent gives away a residential property and dies soon thereafter, the surviving spouse may not have a place to live. The property owner has no obligation to return the home to the spouse and may not even have a legal way of doing so.

Deeding away significant assets can be a risky proposition. Seniors and their families can review available options to make informed decisions that do not cause additional hardships.

“Need help navigating the complexities of Medicaid planning? Look no further than our team of Medicaid planning experts. We can help you protect your assets and secure the care you need.”

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Written by Marie Corliss, an experienced New York Elder Law and Medicaid Planning Attorney and the founder of Corliss Law Group in Cortlandt, New York.  Attorney Corliss is a Member of the National ElderCare Matters Alliance, and she and her law firm have a Featured Listing on ElderCareMatters.com – America’s National Directory of Elder Care / Senior Care Resources to help families plan for and deal with the Issues of Aging.

Marie A. Corliss, Esq.

If you have additional questions about your family’s Elder Care / Senior Care Matters, you can count on ElderCareMatters.com (America’s National Directory of Elder Care / Senior Care Resources) to help you find local Elder Care / Senior Care Professionals who can help you with your family’s Issues of Aging.  Search our National Database by City and Service Category.  (This Search feature is located on the homepage of ElderCareMatters.com).

The Elder Care / Senior Care Experts that are found on ElderCareMatters.com can provide you with the help you need in a wide range of Elder Care / Senior Care Services, including Elder Law, Estate Planning, Home Health, Assisted Living, Care Management, Daily Money Management, Senior Living, Investment Advisory Services, Tax & Accounting Services, Wills & Trusts, Probate plus many other Elder Care Services.

We look forward to helping you plan for and deal with your family’s Issues of Aging.

Visit ElderCareMatters.com.

DOES THIS MEDICAID PLANNING STRATEGY MAKE SENSE? was last modified: April 6th, 2023 by Marie Corliss