ptheland:

<<<<While title changes of realty are generally completed gifts, if the donor retains a life estate by continuing to occupy the property rent-free for example, the full value would be taxed as of the date of death.>>>>

"Thanks for the correction. I was pretty sure I remembered the correct result, but the logic of how to get there eluded me.

To help educate me a bit more - and to take ol' Dobbin out for a bit of exercise ;-) - Does it make a difference how a title is held after a transfer? For example, is Tennancy in Common different from Joint Tennants with Right of Survivorship or from an undivided XX% interest? I'm only thinking of the impact on gifting. Thanks for any further clarification."

I am not HJ, but see post 2480 on the inheritance board:

http://boards.fool.com/Message.asp?mid=13508135

where criser discusses this issue.

Hope this helps. Regards, JAFO