The amount that is annually exempted from federal gift taxes, called the annual gift tax exclusion or simply annual exclusion, was indexed for inflation beginning in 1997 and has slowly increased over the years. Below is a chart that shows the increases in the annual gift tax exclusion from 1997 through 2012.
As you can see, the annual exclusion has remained steady for the past several years and will remain the same in 2012. Where the amount will go in 2013 and beyond depends on inflation, and, as the chart indicates, it can only be increased in increments of $1,000.
Historical Annual Exclusion Gift Amounts
| Year | Annual Exclusion Amount |
| 1997 | $10,000 |
| 1998 | $10,000 |
| 1999 | $10,000 |
| 2000 | $10,000 |
| 2001 | $10,000 |
| 2002 | $11,000 |
| 2003 | $11,000 |
| 2004 | $11,000 |
| 2005 | $11,000 |
| 2006 | $12,000 |
| 2007 | $12,000 |
| 2008 | $12,000 |
| 2009 | $13,000 |
| 2010 | $13,000 |
| 2011 | $13,000 |
| 2012 | $13,000 |
