Final answer:
The statement is false. Transfers from employers to employees are typically considered wages and are taxable, unless clearly demonstrated as a gift made out of disinterested generosity. Only in special cases such as nominal retirement gifts might a transfer qualify as a non-taxable gift.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that transfers by employers to employees qualify as excludable gifts, if not required pursuant to the employment contract, is False. According to tax law, most transfers from employers to employees are considered wages for services rendered and are therefore taxable. The concept of 'gift' in a tax context is quite specific and generally does not apply to transfers made in the employer-employee relationship, unless there is a clear demonstration that the transfer was made out of affection, respect, admiration, charity or like impulses, and not as a reward for the employee's service.
In certain exceptional cases, such as a retirement gift of nominal value or a gift on a special occasion, the transfer may qualify as a non-taxable gift. However, these are exceptions to the general rule that compensation for services, including benefits provided in the course of employment, are taxable income for the recipient.