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View Full Version : Are there taxes involved when lending $30,000+ to a friend?


mikeinaustin
Apr 6, 2012, 10:49 AM
I am planning on lending a friend $30,000 (possibly a little more) for 4 months. He will then give me back that same amount of money.
I am not looking to get any interest from him, and he is not looking to make any profits from the money I loan him.

This is simply a favor of loaning him the money, then him returning it to me once his personal money is no longer tied up.

Are there any tax implications for me or him with this loan?
Is there a best way to withdraw and give him this money, in regards to taxes? (bank transfer, personal check, money order, cash, etc?)

mikeinaustin
Apr 6, 2012, 10:50 AM
I forgot to mention that we will write up a contract to protect me, so I get my money back.

AtlantaTaxExpert
Apr 8, 2012, 07:34 PM
If there is no interest AND the loan is paid back relatively quickly, then there are no tax implications.

ebaines
Apr 9, 2012, 06:12 AM
If there is no interest AND the loan is paid back relatively quickly, then there are no tax implications.

True, although if the friend fails to return the borrowed amount in a timely manner then the loan could be considered a gift to the friend, and a gift of $30K will require filing a gift tax form (though it's unlikely that any gift tax would actually be due). My understanding is that the IRS treats personal loans that do not charge nominal interest and/or do not have firm repayment terms as gifts. So my advice is in your contract be sure to include detailed repayment terms, including the final date when the loan must be repaid, and a penalty clause in case of late payment.

mikeinaustin
Apr 9, 2012, 06:42 AM
Thank you!

AtlantaTaxExpert
Apr 9, 2012, 10:53 AM
ebaines raises good points, which I endorse without reservations!