To gift down payment funds, you can have them sent to the escrow account at closing or directly to the recipient. You'll typically need to sign a gift letter that states your name, contact information, the gift amount and relationship to the borrower.
The gift tax limit (aka the annual gift tax exclusion) in 2024 was $18,000 per recipient. For 2025, the limit has been adjusted for inflation and raised to $19,000. You'll have to report any gifts you give above that amount to the IRS on your tax return with Form 709.
The best way to prove that a transfer of property qualifies as a gift is with evidence of the intent of the donor. The donor must intend to make a permanent transfer without any expectation of receiving something in return.
7 Pro Tips to Build a Charitable Donation Form that Works Include suitable donation amounts. Share how gifts are used. Don't ask too many questions. Add recurring donation intervals. Use branding. Add multiple payment options. Test your donation form before sharing it with donors.
The gift letter must: specify the dollar amount of the gift; specify the date the funds were transferred; include the donor's statement that no repayment is expected; and indicate the donor's name, address, telephone number, and relationship to the borrower.
How to Write a Donation Request Letter Understand Your Audience. From past donors to potential ones, you likely have a wide audience that you can reach out to. Tell a Powerful Story. Make the Ask. Personalize the Letter. Format & Design. Express Gratitude. Proofread & Edit. Measure Success & Improve.
Most mortgage providers will have a template that you can follow, but in general, your gift letter should include: The donor's name, address and phone number. The donor's relationship to the client. The dollar amount of the gift. The date when the funds were (or will be) transferred.
(Date) Dear (Donor): I have received your "Offer of Gift," dated ___________________, by which you, on behalf of the (Name of Company), offered to convey (Description of Property) to the United States of America as a gift. I accept with pleasure your gift and conveyance of the (Property), pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 2601.