HeeBeeGB
Rough_Rock
- Joined
- Nov 24, 2005
- Messages
- 68
This is actually a pretty interesting question. There are quite a few variables.
The most interesting issue has to do with the federal gift tax and there is some debate about how to handle this. The key issue is that a gift of more than $11,000 is a taxable event to the recipient if it comes from someone other than a spouse. A fiancée is not a spouse. As soon as you get married, the rules change and there is no tax. This may seem like splitting hairs but it can be terribly important it it’s a big value ring. Arranging the paperwork so that it’s clear that the ownership doesn’t change until after you are actually married can save a fair amount of money on her taxes. Talk to your accountant if you feel this may apply to your situation.
Oh moreDate: 11/28/2005 9:58:26 PM
Author: RockDoc
Many states consider an engagement ring a CONDITIONAL GIFT. The accepted condition is that by presenting the engagement ring, it represents a promise of both parties to complete their marriage. It is best to consult a legal professional to learn the laws of the state you live in.
At the time of marriage the ring become part of the marital estate.
Generally speaking, the ring remain owned by the person who paid for it until the marriage is consumated. However, I believe some judges have ruled that the ring be the property of a jilted fiance(e), where a break up occurs shortly before the marriage ceremony was to take place and the bride''s side is faced with large financial losses.
Possibly the more interesting question is about jurisdiction; particularly where each person live in a different state and the laws are of opposing content. Do the rules of law apply in the state where it is presented? Or in the state where the person who paid for it lives?
Insurance companies like to rate the premium for the posicy based on the zip code that the ring will be kept and/or worn.
Keep in mind the owner of the insurance policy is the person to whom the insurance company will make the check for any loss payable to.
Additional note: It is probably prudent to make clear that a ring presented at Christmas is a ENGAGEMENT agreement. Probably best to make it clear it is not a Christmas present by not wrapping it in Chiristmas paper, and giving other gifts that are specifically ''Christmas gifts''.
Neil does bring up a very valid point with GIft Tax considerations. But in his post I think the insurance agent was wrong to state the receiver as the owner on the insurance policy.
Those in the legal field here would certainly shed some light on this posting the applicable law in the state where they practice.
Rockdoc
engagement ring
My fiance broke off our engagement and moved out of state. we lived together in New Mexico for four years before she moved. My question: Who gets the engagement ring? Is it not part of the contract that she cancelled?
Bill
Because she broke the engagement, you are entitled to return of the ring.
Bill
I defer to the previous respondent and write only to point out that state law differs in this area. In CA a gift given in contemplation of marriage is returnable to the purchasing party regardless who called off the engagement.
The ring!
I believe Cindy to have the most accurate accesment of the issue.
Cyndy and Rahman
I agree with you about the ring. I could find NO STATE in the union that has gone along with Hack Wilson''s assessment. One of my annotated codes states that such a view went out with no fault divorce. Makes sense. Why have no fault divorce but "fault engagement " law.
Rockdoc,
I think we’re talking about two different things although they both revolve around the ownership of the ring. Who gets it in a breakup is a matter of contract law between the two parties. I was talking about taxes and insurance. If someone insures a piece of property and then lends it to someone else on a long-term arrangement without specifically mentioning this in the insurance policy, I think there is a pretty good chance that this will be violating the terms of the contract, especially if they live in different locations. It seems much more clear from the other side. If someone borrows property from another and wishes to insure it declaring the owner as the beneficiary, they will be the client of the insurance company and therefore the appraisal should be in their name, even though they aren’t claiming to be the owner of the ring. The appraisal should, of course, state the identity of the reported owner, as should the insurance policy. Either way, both the appraiser and the insurance company should identify who their client is and who has been reported to be the owner of the property but it’s not necessary that they be the same individual.
There’s an even more insidious tax possibility in this scenario. If the man buys an expensive ring in the US and goes to some beautiful place overseas where he gives it to his bride, what are the tax implications? The man has exported the ring and the woman has imported it. They’re not related. The man will have no tax implications at all but she acquired a valuable asset overseas and, theoretically, would be obligated to pay import taxes based on the fair market value of the gift!
Date: 11/29/2005 12:37:06 PM
Author: HeeBeeGB
Useful Info! Gets me more thinking since Im from Canada and I will be proposing to her this late December in the US, I have to ensure that I have all my documents are with me proving that I purchased the ring in Canada should I be questioned at the border. I dont need to be dinged with a 10% exise tax, a 7% Goods and Services Tax(GST) and duties again. I guess this would make for an interesting story in the proposal forum section. As for the name on the appraisal, I decided it would be her name not only for my her peace of mind(its her ring...i guess on paper...but legally mine? until the marraige is consumated?) but for insurance purposes, as it would be under her homeowners policy that would cover it. It wouldnt make sense to take out a separate policy by me to cover the ring, would it?
We both are from Canada and Im presenting it to her on a vacation in Vagas. I have already purchased a ring and currently being custom made in Canada. Ive read on other post on others skipping the taxes/not declaring it (buy in states, wear it back across the border, but I cannot risk any chance of getting caught with unpaid goods. It would affect too much...I believe I had a reasonable deal on my stone and setting....Date: 11/29/2005 1:40:05 PM
Author: RockDoc
Date: 11/29/2005 12:37:06 PM
Author: HeeBeeGB
Useful Info! Gets me more thinking since Im from Canada and I will be proposing to her this late December in the US, I have to ensure that I have all my documents are with me proving that I purchased the ring in Canada should I be questioned at the border. I dont need to be dinged with a 10% exise tax, a 7% Goods and Services Tax(GST) and duties again. I guess this would make for an interesting story in the proposal forum section. As for the name on the appraisal, I decided it would be her name not only for my her peace of mind(its her ring...i guess on paper...but legally mine? until the marraige is consumated?) but for insurance purposes, as it would be under her homeowners policy that would cover it. It wouldnt make sense to take out a separate policy by me to cover the ring, would it?
IF the ring is to be presented in the US in a few weeks, why don''t you buy it from a US vendor, have it shipped to a Fedex or UPS terminal for you to pick up when you arrive? I''m sure one of the PScope vendors will be happy to cooridnate this with you, and you''ll probably save a lot on the purchase price as well including the US sales tax if it is to be shipped to a different state than the seller is.
This would save the Canadian taxes, and totally avoid you paying duty to bring it in to the US. However if when you get married or begin living together, it would be dependent on if you were going to live in the US or if you were going to live in Canada. However, I think you may only be responsible for the Canadian taxes if you bring the ring into Canada, as a gift, if she is already wearing it, I don''t believe they will expect you to pay a tax on it if you''re bringing it to Canada.
I seriously doubt you''d ever be questioned at Canadian customs.
I would suggest you discuss the insurance issues with Bill Castro at www.totaldollar.com He can expain the advantage of a Chubb standalone policy, and he is licensed in every state in the US.
Doesn''t cost anything to call...as he has a toll free number.
Rockdoc
Date: 11/29/2005 3:43:56 PM
Author: HeeBeeGB
We both are from Canada and Im presenting it to her on a vacation in Vagas. I have already purchased a ring and currently being custom made in Canada. Ive read on other post on others skipping the taxes/not declaring it (buy in states, wear it back across the border, but I cannot risk any chance of getting caught with unpaid goods. It would affect too much...I believe I had a reasonable deal on my stone and setting....Date: 11/29/2005 1:40:05 PM
Author: RockDoc
Date: 11/29/2005 12:37:06 PM
Author: HeeBeeGB
Useful Info! Gets me more thinking since Im from Canada and I will be proposing to her this late December in the US, I have to ensure that I have all my documents are with me proving that I purchased the ring in Canada should I be questioned at the border. I dont need to be dinged with a 10% exise tax, a 7% Goods and Services Tax(GST) and duties again. I guess this would make for an interesting story in the proposal forum section. As for the name on the appraisal, I decided it would be her name not only for my her peace of mind(its her ring...i guess on paper...but legally mine? until the marraige is consumated?) but for insurance purposes, as it would be under her homeowners policy that would cover it. It wouldnt make sense to take out a separate policy by me to cover the ring, would it?
IF the ring is to be presented in the US in a few weeks, why don''t you buy it from a US vendor, have it shipped to a Fedex or UPS terminal for you to pick up when you arrive? I''m sure one of the PScope vendors will be happy to cooridnate this with you, and you''ll probably save a lot on the purchase price as well including the US sales tax if it is to be shipped to a different state than the seller is.
This would save the Canadian taxes, and totally avoid you paying duty to bring it in to the US. However if when you get married or begin living together, it would be dependent on if you were going to live in the US or if you were going to live in Canada. However, I think you may only be responsible for the Canadian taxes if you bring the ring into Canada, as a gift, if she is already wearing it, I don''t believe they will expect you to pay a tax on it if you''re bringing it to Canada.
I seriously doubt you''d ever be questioned at Canadian customs.
I would suggest you discuss the insurance issues with Bill Castro at www.totaldollar.com He can expain the advantage of a Chubb standalone policy, and he is licensed in every state in the US.
Doesn''t cost anything to call...as he has a toll free number.
Rockdoc
Funny you should say that...hassled....I have a relative that had her gold necklace/jewelry confiscated because she didnt declare it and was black listed with Canada CustomsDate: 11/29/2005 4:01:06 PM
Author: denverappraiser
HeeBeeGB,
Keep your receipt as evidence that it was purchased in Canada and you''ll be fine. The customs people should be no problem. Even in the US, this customs issue is strictly an academic question. I''ve never heard of anyone being hastled on this.
Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ISA NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver