
Many grandparents love helping their families financially—whether it’s funding a college account, giving cash for a down payment, or setting aside an inheritance. But in California, even generous gestures can come with tax, legal, and eligibility consequences if you don’t know the rules. The state’s gifting laws can be tricky, especially for retirees living on fixed incomes or managing estate plans. Here are five California gifting laws every grandparent should understand before writing the next check.