{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/64.2-1638.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/64.2-1638.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/64.2-1638.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/64.2-1638.html"}],"law_id":65446,"edition_id":1,"section_id":65446,"structure_id":12908,"section_number":"64.2-1638","catch_line":"Gifts","history":"2010, cc. 455, 632, \u00a7 26-111; 2012, c. 614.","full_text":"A\n\nIn this section, a gift “for the benefit of” a person includes a gift to a trust, a custodial trust under the Uniform Custodial Trust Act (§ 64.2-900 et seq.), an account under the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (§ 64.2-1900 et seq.), and a tuition savings account or prepaid tuition plan as defined under Internal Revenue Code 26 U.S.C. § 529, as amended.B\n\nUnless the power of attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of attorney granting general authority with respect to gifts authorizes the agent only to:1\n\nMake outright to, or for the benefit of, a person a gift of any of the principal’s property, including by the exercise of a presently exercisable general power of appointment held by the principal, in an amount per donee not to exceed the annual dollar limits of the federal gift tax exclusion under Internal Revenue Code 26 U.S.C. § 2503 (b), as amended, without regard to whether the federal gift tax exclusion applies to the gift, or if the principal’s spouse agrees to consent to a split gift pursuant to Internal Revenue Code 26 U.S.C. § 2513, as amended, in an amount per donee not to exceed twice the annual federal gift tax exclusion limit; and2\n\nConsent, pursuant to Internal Revenue Code 26 U.S.C. § 2513, as amended, to the splitting of a gift made by the principal’s spouse in an amount per donee not to exceed the aggregate annual gift tax exclusions for both spouses.C\n\nAn agent may make a gift of the principal’s property only as the agent determines is consistent with the principal’s objectives if actually known by the agent and, if unknown, as the agent determines is consistent with the principal’s best interest based on all relevant factors, including:1\n\nThe value and nature of the principal’s property;2\n\nThe principal’s foreseeable obligations and need for maintenance;3\n\nMinimization of taxes, including income, estate, inheritance, generation-skipping transfer, and gift taxes;4\n\nEligibility for a benefit, a program, or assistance under a statute or regulation; and5\n\nThe principal’s personal history of making or joining in making gifts.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":237969,"text":"In this section, a gift “for the benefit of” a person includes a gift to a trust, a custodial trust under the Uniform Custodial Trust Act (§ 64.2-900 et seq.), an account under the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (§ 64.2-1900 et seq.), and a tuition savings account or prepaid tuition plan as defined under Internal Revenue Code 26 U.S.C. § 529, as amended.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":237970,"text":"Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of attorney granting general authority with respect to gifts authorizes the agent only to:","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"B1"},"2":{"id":237971,"text":"Make outright to, or for the benefit of, a person a gift of any of the principal’s property, including by the exercise of a presently exercisable general power of appointment held by the principal, in an amount per donee not to exceed the annual dollar limits of the federal gift tax exclusion under Internal Revenue Code 26 U.S.C. § 2503 (b), as amended, without regard to whether the federal gift tax exclusion applies to the gift, or if the principal’s spouse agrees to consent to a split gift pursuant to Internal Revenue Code 26 U.S.C. § 2513, as amended, in an amount per donee not to exceed twice the annual federal gift tax exclusion limit; and","type":"section","prefixes":["B","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"B1","prefix_anchor":"B1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"B2"},"3":{"id":237972,"text":"Consent, pursuant to Internal Revenue Code 26 U.S.C. § 2513, as amended, to the splitting of a gift made by the principal’s spouse in an amount per donee not to exceed the aggregate annual gift tax exclusions for both spouses.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"B2","prefix_anchor":"B2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B1","next_prefix":"C"},"4":{"id":237973,"text":"An agent may make a gift of the principal’s property only as the agent determines is consistent with the principal’s objectives if actually known by the agent and, if unknown, as the agent determines is consistent with the principal’s best interest based on all relevant factors, including:","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B2","next_prefix":"C1"},"5":{"id":237974,"text":"The value and nature of the principal’s property;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"C1","prefix_anchor":"C1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"C2"},"6":{"id":237975,"text":"The principal’s foreseeable obligations and need for maintenance;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"C2","prefix_anchor":"C2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C1","next_prefix":"C3"},"7":{"id":237976,"text":"Minimization of taxes, including income, estate, inheritance, generation-skipping transfer, and gift taxes;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"C3","prefix_anchor":"C3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C2","next_prefix":"C4"},"8":{"id":237977,"text":"Eligibility for a benefit, a program, or assistance under a statute or regulation; and","type":"section","prefixes":["C","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"C4","prefix_anchor":"C4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C3","next_prefix":"C5"},"9":{"id":237978,"text":"The principal’s personal history of making or joining in making gifts.","type":"section","prefixes":["C","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"C5","prefix_anchor":"C5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C4"}},"ancestry":[{"id":12908,"edition_id":1,"name":"Authority","identifier":"2","label":"article","depth":5,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12907,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:00","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:00","permalink":{"id":275247,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12908,"identifier":"2","token":"64.2\/IV\/B\/16\/2","url":"\/64.2\/IV\/B\/16\/2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12907,"edition_id":1,"name":"Uniform Power of Attorney Act","identifier":"16","label":"chapter","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12906,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:00","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:00","permalink":{"id":275155,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12907,"identifier":"16","token":"64.2\/IV\/B\/16","url":"\/64.2\/IV\/B\/16\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12906,"edition_id":1,"name":"Powers of Attorney","identifier":"B","label":"part","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12905,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:00","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:00","permalink":{"id":275153,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12906,"identifier":"B","token":"64.2\/IV\/B","url":"\/64.2\/IV\/B\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12905,"edition_id":1,"name":"Fiduciaries and Guardians","identifier":"IV","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12723,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:00","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:00","permalink":{"id":274813,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12905,"identifier":"IV","token":"64.2\/IV","url":"\/64.2\/IV\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12723,"edition_id":1,"name":"Wills, Trusts, and Fiduciaries","identifier":"64.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:50","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:50","permalink":{"id":272781,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12723,"identifier":"64.2","token":"64.2","url":"\/64.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":71735,"structure_id":12908,"section_number":"64.2-1622","catch_line":"Authority that requires specific grant; grant of general authority","url":"\/64.2-1622\/","token":"64.2\/IV\/B\/16\/2\/64.2-1622","metadata":false},{"id":60293,"structure_id":12908,"section_number":"64.2-1623","catch_line":"Incorporation of authority","url":"\/64.2-1623\/","token":"64.2\/IV\/B\/16\/2\/64.2-1623","metadata":false},{"id":54022,"structure_id":12908,"section_number":"64.2-1624","catch_line":"Construction of authority generally","url":"\/64.2-1624\/","token":"64.2\/IV\/B\/16\/2\/64.2-1624","metadata":false},{"id":62615,"structure_id":12908,"section_number":"64.2-1625","catch_line":"Real property","url":"\/64.2-1625\/","token":"64.2\/IV\/B\/16\/2\/64.2-1625","metadata":false},{"id":76641,"structure_id":12908,"section_number":"64.2-1626","catch_line":"Tangible personal property","url":"\/64.2-1626\/","token":"64.2\/IV\/B\/16\/2\/64.2-1626","metadata":false},{"id":86975,"structure_id":12908,"section_number":"64.2-1627","catch_line":"Stocks and bonds","url":"\/64.2-1627\/","token":"64.2\/IV\/B\/16\/2\/64.2-1627","metadata":false},{"id":82660,"structure_id":12908,"section_number":"64.2-1628","catch_line":"Commodities and options","url":"\/64.2-1628\/","token":"64.2\/IV\/B\/16\/2\/64.2-1628","metadata":false},{"id":68885,"structure_id":12908,"section_number":"64.2-1629","catch_line":"Banks and other financial institutions","url":"\/64.2-1629\/","token":"64.2\/IV\/B\/16\/2\/64.2-1629","metadata":false},{"id":77562,"structure_id":12908,"section_number":"64.2-1630","catch_line":"Operation of entity or business","url":"\/64.2-1630\/","token":"64.2\/IV\/B\/16\/2\/64.2-1630","metadata":false},{"id":72015,"structure_id":12908,"section_number":"64.2-1631","catch_line":"Insurance and annuities","url":"\/64.2-1631\/","token":"64.2\/IV\/B\/16\/2\/64.2-1631","metadata":false},{"id":85116,"structure_id":12908,"section_number":"64.2-1632","catch_line":"Estates, trusts, and other beneficial interests","url":"\/64.2-1632\/","token":"64.2\/IV\/B\/16\/2\/64.2-1632","metadata":false},{"id":62374,"structure_id":12908,"section_number":"64.2-1633","catch_line":"Claims and litigation","url":"\/64.2-1633\/","token":"64.2\/IV\/B\/16\/2\/64.2-1633","metadata":false},{"id":64374,"structure_id":12908,"section_number":"64.2-1634","catch_line":"Personal and family maintenance","url":"\/64.2-1634\/","token":"64.2\/IV\/B\/16\/2\/64.2-1634","metadata":false},{"id":84130,"structure_id":12908,"section_number":"64.2-1635","catch_line":"Benefits from governmental programs or civil or military service","url":"\/64.2-1635\/","token":"64.2\/IV\/B\/16\/2\/64.2-1635","metadata":false},{"id":68350,"structure_id":12908,"section_number":"64.2-1636","catch_line":"Retirement plans","url":"\/64.2-1636\/","token":"64.2\/IV\/B\/16\/2\/64.2-1636","metadata":false},{"id":83054,"structure_id":12908,"section_number":"64.2-1637","catch_line":"Taxes","url":"\/64.2-1637\/","token":"64.2\/IV\/B\/16\/2\/64.2-1637","metadata":false},{"id":65446,"structure_id":12908,"section_number":"64.2-1638","catch_line":"Gifts","url":"\/64.2-1638\/","token":"64.2\/IV\/B\/16\/2\/64.2-1638","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":83054,"structure_id":12908,"section_number":"64.2-1637","catch_line":"Taxes","url":"\/64.2-1637\/","token":"64.2\/IV\/B\/16\/2\/64.2-1637","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/64.2-1638\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 2010. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapters 455<\/a> and 632<\/a> of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. It has been modified 1 time. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. That modification is as follows: in 2012, chapter 614<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":60293,"section_number":"64.2-1623","catch_line":"Incorporation of authority","order_by":null,"url":"\/64.2-1623\/"},{"id":54022,"section_number":"64.2-1624","catch_line":"Construction of authority generally","order_by":null,"url":"\/64.2-1624\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":65466,"section_number":"64.2-1900","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/64.2-1900\/"},{"id":66999,"section_number":"64.2-900","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/64.2-900\/"}],"permalink":{"id":275313,"object_type":"law","relational_id":65446,"identifier":"64.2-1638","token":"64.2\/IV\/B\/16\/2\/64.2-1638","url":"\/64.2-1638\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/64.2-1638\/","token":"64.2\/IV\/B\/16\/2\/64.2-1638","dublin_core":{"Title":"Gifts","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 64.2-1638","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> In this section, a gift “for the benefit of<\/span>” a person<\/span> includes a gift to a trust, a custodial trust under the Uniform Custodial Trust Act (§ 64.2-900<\/a> et seq.), an account under the Uniform Transfers to Minors<\/span> Act (§ 64.2-1900<\/a> et seq.), and a tuition savings account or prepaid tuition plan as defined under Internal Revenue Code 26 U.S.C. § 529, as amended. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Unless the power of attorney<\/span> otherwise provides, language in a power of attorney<\/span> granting general authority with respect to gifts authorizes the agent<\/span> only to: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Make outright to, or for the benefit of<\/span>, a person<\/span> a gift of any of the principal<\/span>’s property<\/span>, including by the exercise of a presently exercisable general power of appointment held by the principal<\/span>, in an amount per donee not to exceed the annual dollar limits of the federal gift tax exclusion under Internal Revenue Code 26 U.S.C. § 2503 (b), as amended, without regard to whether the federal gift tax exclusion applies to the gift, or if the principal<\/span>’s spouse agrees to consent to a split gift pursuant to Internal Revenue Code 26 U.S.C. § 2513, as amended, in an amount per donee not to exceed twice the annual federal gift tax exclusion limit; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Consent, pursuant to Internal Revenue Code 26 U.S.C. § 2513, as amended, to the splitting of a gift made by the principal<\/span>’s spouse in an amount per donee not to exceed the aggregate annual gift tax exclusions for both spouses. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> An agent<\/span> may make a gift of the principal<\/span>’s property<\/span> only as the agent<\/span> determines is consistent with the principal<\/span>’s objectives if actually known by the agent<\/span> and, if unknown, as the agent<\/span> determines is consistent with the principal<\/span>’s best interest based on all relevant factors, including: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> The value<\/span> and nature of the principal<\/span>’s property<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> The principal<\/span>’s foreseeable obligations and need for maintenance; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Minimization of taxes, including income, estate, inheritance, generation-skipping transfer, and gift taxes; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Eligibility for a benefit, a program, or assistance under a statute<\/span> or regulation; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> The principal<\/span>’s personal history of making or joining in making gifts. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nGIFTS (\u00a7 64.2-1638)\n\nA. In this section, a gift “for the benefit of” a person includes a\ngift to a trust, a custodial trust under the Uniform Custodial Trust Act (§\n64.2-900 et seq.), an account under the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (§\n64.2-1900 et seq.), and a tuition savings account or prepaid tuition plan as\ndefined under Internal Revenue Code 26 U.S.C. § 529, as amended.\n\nB. Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of\nattorney granting general authority with respect to gifts authorizes the agent\nonly to:\n\n 1. Make outright to, or for the benefit of, a person a gift of any of the\n principal’s property, including by the exercise of a presently\n exercisable general power of appointment held by the principal, in an amount\n per donee not to exceed the annual dollar limits of the federal gift tax\n exclusion under Internal Revenue Code 26 U.S.C. § 2503 (b), as amended,\n without regard to whether the federal gift tax exclusion applies to the gift,\n or if the principal’s spouse agrees to consent to a split gift pursuant\n to Internal Revenue Code 26 U.S.C. § 2513, as amended, in an amount per\n donee not to exceed twice the annual federal gift tax exclusion limit; and\n\n 2. Consent, pursuant to Internal Revenue Code 26 U.S.C. § 2513, as\n amended, to the splitting of a gift made by the principal’s spouse in an\n amount per donee not to exceed the aggregate annual gift tax exclusions for\n both spouses.\n\nC. An agent may make a gift of the principal’s property only as the agent\ndetermines is consistent with the principal’s objectives if actually known\nby the agent and, if unknown, as the agent determines is consistent with the\nprincipal’s best interest based on all relevant factors, including:\n\n 1. The value and nature of the principal’s property;\n\n 2. The principal’s foreseeable obligations and need for maintenance;\n\n 3. Minimization of taxes, including income, estate, inheritance,\n generation-skipping transfer, and gift taxes;\n\n 4. Eligibility for a benefit, a program, or assistance under a statute or\n regulation; and\n\n 5. The principal’s personal history of making or joining in making\n gifts.\n\nHISTORY: 2010, cc. 455, 632, \u00a7 26-111; 2012, c. 614.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}