For example, if you own a home worth $300,000 and sell it to a family member for $200,000, they've received a gift of equity of $100,000. A gift of equity can occur if a home is given away for no compensation or if a discount is offered on its value.
The seller must obtain an official home appraisal to ascertain fair market value and also sign a gift letter that describes the buyer-seller relationship and states that the equity is a gift the buyer is not obligated to repay. The buyer must follow the typical process for buying a home.
Downsides to a Gift of Equity Yet they should additionally be aware that a gift of equity could trigger the gift tax if it exceeds the annual gift tax exclusion amount. (As of 2024, you are allowed to gift up to $18,000 per individual, or $36,000 per married couple.)
A “gift of equity” refers to a gift provided by the seller of a property to the buyer. The gift represents a portion of the seller's equity in the property, and is transferred to the buyer as a credit in the transaction.
Non-Family Members – In some cases, individuals with a close personal relationship may also be able to gift equity. This can include close friends or individuals with a significant personal connection.
A gift of equity is not allowed when the seller is an estate. This is even true when the buyer is family of the deceased. This will not take the place of a transfer on death deed or a life estate. The only way a gift of equity works is if there is actual equity that already exists.
Non-Family Members – In some cases, individuals with a close personal relationship may also be able to gift equity. This can include close friends or individuals with a significant personal connection.
A business can ``give'' equity any time its articles of incorporation or anti-dilution agreements allow. The IRS requires the business to report the fair market value of the gift of equity if it goes to non-employees . If equity goes to employees it is considered compensation and is reported on their w2.
Gift of Equity The gift represents a portion of the seller's equity in the property, and is transferred to the buyer as a credit in the transaction.