How to Document an FHA Cash Gift Down Payment

FHA Cash Gift Down Payment

If you or someone you know has plans to use a cash gift as their down payment for an FHA loan, pay close attention. While the cash gift is not only allowed but encouraged by the Federal Housing Administration, there are rules to how the money can change hands and how it is all documented. If the steps are not followed it is very likely that the home loan will be rejected.

First: Use the “Down Payment Gift Letter” template

Whether you are the receiver or the giver of a down payment gift, it is important that a letter accompanies the transaction. The letter needs to have all of the following items:

  • The address of the home being purchased
  • How much money is being given
  • The relationship between giver and receiver
  • An explanation that the giver is presenting the money as a gift and there is no expectancy of the money being repaid

After all of this information is included in the letter it is necessary that the receiver and giver not only sign the letter but also place the date beside their signatures.

Second: The Responsibility of the Giver

It is vital that the giver documents the gift completely. Having an easy-to-follow paper trail will make it easier for the underwriter to confirm the transaction. Here is one example.

Suppose a married couple wishes to give $7,500 to their oldest daughter as an upcoming wedding gift. The money will be used to purchase a home and the money is coming from the married couple’s joint money market account.

The married couple will first need to provide a print-out of the account showing the most recent balance. Then, if the money is withdrawn via a cashier’s check, a copy of the check and accompanying bank receipt will need to be made. Finally, another print-out showing the account balance after the withdrawal will need to be made.

A similar paper trail would need to be made if stocks or bonds are being sold in order to provide the funds for the gift.

Third: Responsibility of the Receiver

When the receiver takes possession of the funds then it is advisable that they visit the nearest branch of their credit union or bank and personally deposit the funds into their account. Before making the deposit, the receiver should get a print-out of the account to show the current balance. Then, after making the deposit, make a copy of the deposit slip and ask for an updated print-out showing the new balance of the account. This account will have to be the only account used for the closing costs and down payments at the time of closing.

If the receiver is taking possession of multiple gifts from different parties, this process will need to be repeated for each gift. Do not combine gifts to one deposit. Each gift should be deposited separately.

By following these simple rules, it will make at least one part of the underwriting process simpler and hopefully speed things along to the glorious moment of closing.

Visit our FHA Loans page for additional information on the program or to see if you qualify, contact us below or apply online!

Tax Notes On Cash Down Payment Gifts
It should be noted that there may be tax implications for givers of cash gifts for a down payment, and receivers of them. These are discussion points with your accountant.

And, remember that your lender will not report cash gifts to the IRS; it’s not the lender’s responsibility to report such things. Your lender will use your gift letter(s) for underwriting only, in an attempt to approve your loan.

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Filed under: FHA Loans

Luke Skar

Luke Skar is the web developer and content strategist for MadisonMortgageGuys.com. Currently working for NRL Mortgage which serves 47 states including Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, and Florida. Guided by his 20-plus years of various mortgage marketing experience, Luke provides top-quality SEO services, effective social media management, and web development and maintenance. Luke’s career in the mortgage industry began back in 2001, as a loan processor. After becoming a loan officer for a number of years, Luke now runs madisonmortgageguys.com. To ensure that all the information he posts is fresh, accurate, and up-to-date, Luke relies on the knowledge which his years of dedication to keeping up with the constant change that the mortgage industry provides.

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