The letter must explain who is gifting the money, where the donor's funds are coming from and the relationship between the donor and the recipient. It states how much you're getting and from whom.Learn why lenders may require a gift letter and the IRS may require a gift tax return when family or friends offer help with a down payment on a home. A gift letter is a document that certifies the funds you're receiving for your down payment are a gift, not a loan. It is likely that a gift letter will be required. State the gift amount clearly. This ensures transparency. We can define a gift letter as a legal statement that ensures your bank or lender that the funds that came into your bank account are a gift rather than a loan.