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.
Gifts of equity, like other gifts, aren't taxable to the recipient. The seller might have to file a gift return. They're allowed to give $15,000 per person each year without having to file a gift return. So, if the gift of equity they gave you is less than $30,000, they don't have to file the return.
Here's a simple example: If you sold your property for $450,000, and you owe $250,000 on the mortgage, then there would be $200,000 of equity in the property. You should expect to receive $200,000 minus agent commissions and selling costs if you sell your property.
Gifted equity requirements The letter should be signed by the buyer and the seller. Funds must also be properly documented through financial records. So, be prepared to provide copies of your recent bank statements, your donor's recent bank statements, and copies of cashier's checks.
How to Use equity in a Sentence We've been slowly paying off our mortgage and building up equity in our house. In making these decisions we should be governed by the principle of equity. The topic for the first month is racial equity in the school system.