What is a GST election?

A GST election documents allocation of the generation-skipping transfer tax exemption to a specific transfer. It clarifies tax treatment for transfers that may skip a generation and is generally filed with Form 709 or the estate tax return.

When must the election be filed?

The election is normally made with the corresponding Form 709 or estate tax filing by the filing due date (generally April 15). Timely filing is important to preserve the intended allocation.

Can I use electronic signatures?

Yes. Electronic signatures meeting ESIGN and UETA requirements are acceptable for many tax elections. Ensure the platform records signer intent, attribution, timestamp, and retains a reproducible record.

Who is authorized to sign?

The donor, grantor, trustee, or duly authorized agent signs in the capacity stated. If signing for an entity, include evidence of authority to bind the entity.

How do I correct or revoke an election?

Corrections or revocations require clear documentation and may need amended returns; consult a tax advisor. Some revocations are time-limited and may affect exemption availability.

What supporting documents should accompany the election?

Include valuations, trust excerpts, beneficiary schedules, and allocation calculations. Retain originals and signed copies to support the election during any IRS examination.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Tax
Tax GST Election Form

Tax GST Election Form

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

TAX GST ELECTION FORM

Taxpayer Information

Taxpayer Name Business or Trust Name (if applicable) Address

Social Security Number

Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Entity Type (check one)

Individual / Sole Proprietor
C Corporation
S Corporation
Partnership
Trust / Estate
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Other (specify below)

If Other, describe entity type

Election Declaration

By signing below, Taxpayer elects to allocate available Generation‑Skipping Transfer (GST) exemption to the transfer(s) described in this form. This election is made under the applicable provisions of tax law governing GST exemption allocation and is intended to be effective as of the Effective Date of Election shown below. The election, unless otherwise permitted by statute or administrative ruling, is binding on the taxpayer and the taxpayer's legal representatives, assigns and successors.

Election Type: Allocate GST exemption to specified transfers Opt out of automatic allocation (where applicable) Other (explain)

If Other, explanation

Effective Date of Election:

Transfers Subject to Election

Complete a separate line for each transfer to which this election applies. If additional space is required, attach a signed continuation sheet containing the same headings.

Transfer Date

Description of Transfer

Donee / Beneficiary

Relationship

Value

GST Exemption Allocated

Trust Information (if allocating to trust)

If exemption is allocated to a trust, provide trust identifying information below.

Trust Name Trust EIN Trust Date (date trust created) Trust Grantor / Settlor

Certification and Perjury Statement

Under penalties of perjury, I certify that I am the taxpayer named on this form or an authorized agent with authority to make this election on behalf of the taxpayer, and that the information provided on this form, including any attachments, is true, correct and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

I understand that this election, to the extent permitted by law, will determine the allocation of GST exemption and may affect the computation of tax and filing obligations for transfers described herein.
I represent that the values and descriptions provided for each transfer are accurate and are supported by the taxpayer's books and records, and I acknowledge that adjustments may be made as required by law.
I declare that I have the legal authority to make this election for the taxpayer and that I will retain records sufficient to substantiate this election and the amounts allocated for the periods required by law.
I acknowledge that providing false information may subject me to penalties under the law, including penalties for perjury and other civil or criminal sanctions.

Additional Remarks (if any)

Signature

By signing below, the signer certifies under penalties of perjury that they are the taxpayer named above or an individual authorized to sign on behalf of the taxpayer and that the information contained in this election is true, correct and complete.

Taxpayer or Authorized Representative (Print Name):

Title or Capacity (if signing for entity):

Signature:

Date Signed:

What the Tax GST Election Form Is and when it applies

The Tax GST Election Form is the mechanism used to allocate or elect generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax exemptions for transfers that may skip a generation. In U.S. federal tax practice this election is typically made in connection with a gift tax return (Form 709) or estate tax reporting to ensure that GST exemption is applied to a specific transfer. Completing the election documents the donor's or executor's intent and clarifies tax treatment for beneficiaries and fiduciaries under Internal Revenue Code provisions governing GST taxation.

Why making a clear GST election matters

A timely, accurate GST election preserves exemption allocations, avoids unexpected tax on beneficiaries, and creates an auditable record of intent under federal tax rules.

Which parties commonly prepare and sign a GST election

Typical preparers include taxpayers making large gifts, estate attorneys, trustees, and executors handling transfer tax reporting.

Individual donors and grantors who allocate GST exemption for lifetime gifts or transfers to trusts.
Estate attorneys and tax advisors preparing Form 709 or estate tax filings and required attachments.
Trustees, executors, and fiduciaries documenting allocation decisions for beneficiaries and future audits.

Accurate preparation reduces audit risk and ensures intended tax treatment for multi-generation transfers.

Step-by-step: completing the election with supporting tax returns

Complete these four core steps in order to prepare a GST election that aligns with Form 709 and federal filing rules.

01

Gather documentation: Assemble gift details, appraisals, trust instruments, and beneficiary data.
02

Complete allocation entries: Fill GST allocation fields and attach calculations or schedules.
03

Sign and date: Signer must sign in capacity shown and date the election.
04

File with return: Attach election to Form 709 or required estate tax filing when submitting to the IRS.

How to configure an online GST election workflow

Set up a digital workflow that collects required fields, applies signer roles, and preserves an auditable trail.

Field	Configuration
Required entries	Make Donor Name, TIN, Gift Date, and Description mandatory.
Signer roles	Assign roles for donor, preparer, trustee, and witness if required.
Authentication	Use email + SMS or advanced authentication for high-assurance signers.
Record retention	Enable PDF archival and audit trail export on completion.

Where to file or submit the completed GST election

Deliver the election according to filing context: attached to federal returns, kept with trust records, and shared with advisors.

IRS (Federal): Attach election to Form 709 or estate tax filing submitted to IRS.
Trust records: Retain signed election with trust documents for fiduciary reference and audits.
Tax advisor: Provide a signed copy to the preparer or advisor for tax reporting.
Beneficiaries: Share relevant excerpts with beneficiaries when appropriate for transparency.

Digital signing and file format requirements for electronic elections

Ensure the chosen platform captures signer intent, identity, a tamper-evident PDF, and an auditable trail before e-submitting.

Accepted formats: PDF and DOCX preferred
Authentication options: Email, SMS, or higher-assurance methods
Integrations: CRM or document storage integrations useful

Use a compliant eSignature provider that supports ESIGN/UETA, produces a complete audit trail, and archives signed PDFs for IRS and fiduciary records.

Key filing dates and timing considerations

Confirm deadlines that affect when a GST election must be made and how it ties to gift or estate tax returns.

Form 709 due date:

Due April 15 for gifts made during the prior calendar year

Election timing:

Allocate GST exemption on Form 709 filed by its due date

Extension option:

Filing extensions may apply to Form 709 via authorized extension mechanisms

Recordkeeping start:

Retain election copies from the transfer date forward

Late filing impact:

Late allocations risk reallocation and potential additional tax

Common preparation errors to avoid

Using inconsistent names or TINs across documents, causing IRS mismatch and delays.
Failing to attach the election to Form 709 or the estate return before filing deadlines.
Providing vague property descriptions that make valuation and allocation ambiguous to reviewers.
Neglecting to capture signer capacity (trustee, executor), which can void the election's effectiveness.

Penalties and tax risks from incorrect or late elections

Additional tax: Increased GST liability

Interest: Interest accrues on unpaid tax

IRS penalties: Penalties under IRC for late or incorrect reporting

Backup withholding: 24% withholding risk with missing TIN

Audit exposure: Higher audit likelihood from incomplete records

Fiduciary liability: Trustees may face personal liability

eSignature vendor comparison for signing and storing GST elections

Compare common eSignature options for capturing a legally enforceable GST election; signNow is listed first for parity with other vendors.

	signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting Price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo	$19/user/mo	$15/user/mo
Free Trial	7-day free trial	Trial available	Trial available	Trial available	Trial available
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No

Practical tips for accurate, auditable GST elections

Follow these best practices to reduce disputes and make the election defensible during IRS review.

Verify identification

Confirm donor name and TIN against IRS records; mismatches increase audit risk and administrative delays.

Attach supporting schedules

Include valuation reports, trust excerpts, and calculations that show how the allocated GST exemption was computed.

Document signer capacity

Record the signer’s legal capacity (trustee, executor) and include evidence of authority if signing on behalf of an entity.

Keep an auditable copy

Archive a tamper-evident PDF with timestamps and audit trail to support future inquiries or audits.

Key milestones from preparation to final recordkeeping

Track milestones so the election is timely, signed correctly, and retained for IRS and fiduciary review.

01

Prepare allocation details

Complete calculations and attach valuations before preparing Form 709.

02

Sign and date

Obtain required signatures on the election document in correct capacity.

03

File with return

Attach the signed election to Form 709 filed by the due date.

04

Archive records

Store signed copy and supporting schedules for the retention period.

Frequently asked questions about the Tax GST Election Form

Answers to common questions about timing, signatures, electronic filing, and recordkeeping for GST elections.

Need help? Contact support

What is a GST election?
A GST election documents allocation of the generation-skipping transfer tax exemption to a specific transfer. It clarifies tax treatment for transfers that may skip a generation and is generally filed with Form 709 or the estate tax return.
When must the election be filed?
The election is normally made with the corresponding Form 709 or estate tax filing by the filing due date (generally April 15). Timely filing is important to preserve the intended allocation.
Can I use electronic signatures?
Yes. Electronic signatures meeting ESIGN and UETA requirements are acceptable for many tax elections. Ensure the platform records signer intent, attribution, timestamp, and retains a reproducible record.
Who is authorized to sign?
The donor, grantor, trustee, or duly authorized agent signs in the capacity stated. If signing for an entity, include evidence of authority to bind the entity.
How do I correct or revoke an election?
Corrections or revocations require clear documentation and may need amended returns; consult a tax advisor. Some revocations are time-limited and may affect exemption availability.
What supporting documents should accompany the election?
Include valuations, trust excerpts, beneficiary schedules, and allocation calculations. Retain originals and signed copies to support the election during any IRS examination.

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