California doesn't enforce a gift tax, but you may owe a federal one. If a promissory note is transferred as a gift, gift tax rules may apply, according to IRC Section 2501.The IRS taxes gifts made over a certain dollar amount. The IRS does not consider the gift of money for a down payment as taxable income for the recipient. Among the most significant benefits of an ESOP is that employer contributions to qualified retirement plans such as ESOPs are typically tax-deductible. 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. Report income distributed to beneficiaries; File an amended return for the estate or trust; Claim withholding. LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace. How Does LendingTree Get Paid? Refinancing a real estate loan is not considered a change in ownership, and should not result in a reassessment.