Is a personal gift or loan taxable?

My wife and I are green card holders. Our parents are sending us money to purchase a home. Is this money taxable?

If your parents sent the money as a gift, it is not taxable. Likewise, if they sent the money as a loan, it also is not taxable. Any interest you paid to your parents on the loan, however, would not be deductible on your taxes as it is considered a personal loan.

Although the gift or loan is not taxable, you may need to report the amount. If the funds advanced are in excess of $100,000, you must file a Form 3520 with your income tax return. You also would need to report any interest you receive on such funds on your income tax return.

Jamshed Gandi, CPA / CFP / CVA, is a stockholder in the firm of RINA Accountancy Corp. in San Francisco. You can reach him at (415) 777-4488.

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