New York state doesn't actually have a gift tax, although you may end up reporting high dollar amount gifts to the federal government. The IRS taxes gifts made over a certain dollar amount.Demystify gift letters in NYC real estate. Understand how to document a gift from family or friends for a smoother property transaction. New York State's estate tax is calculated using the tax table provided on Form ET706. There are multiple versions of Form ET-706. A gift letter must contain the donor's name, the gift's value, confirmation that the gift is not to be repaid, and the donor's signature. The federal gift and estate taxes only apply to very wealthy households. If a promissory note is transferred as a gift, gift tax rules may apply, according to IRC Section 2501. Generally, you won't be responsible for any taxes on gift funds.