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Gift Deed

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VIRGINIA GIFT DEED
[Individual to Individual]

Control Number: VA-020-77

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II. DISCLAIMER

These materials were developed by U.S. Legal Forms, Inc. based upon statutes and forms for the subject state. All information and Forms are subject to this Disclaimer:

All forms in this package are provided without any warranty, express or implied, as to their legal effect and completeness. Please use at your own risk. If you have a serious legal problem, we suggest that you consult an attorney in your state. U.S. Legal Forms, Inc. does not provide legal advice. The products offered by U.S. Legal Forms (USLF) are not a substitute for the advice of an attorney.

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RECORDATION TAXES AND EXEMPTIONS

§ 58.1-811. Exemptions.

A. The taxes imposed by §§ 58.1-801 and 58.1-807 shall not apply to any deed conveying real estate or lease of real estate:

1. To an incorporated college or other incorporated institution of learning not conducted for profit, where such real estate is intended to be used for educational purposes and not as a source of revenue or profit;

2. To an incorporated church or religious body or to the trustee or trustees of any church or religious body, or a corporation mentioned in § 57-16.1, where such real estate is intended to be used exclusively for religious purposes, or for the residence of the minister of any such church or religious body;

3. To the United States, the Commonwealth, or to any county, city, town, district or other political subdivision of the Commonwealth;

4. To the Virginia Division of the United Daughters of the Confederacy;

5. To any nonstock corporation organized exclusively for the purpose of owning or operating a hospital or hospitals not for pecuniary profit;

6. To a corporation upon its organization by persons in control of the corporation in a transaction which qualifies for nonrecognition of gain or loss pursuant to § 351 of the Internal Revenue Code as it exists at the time of the conveyance;

7. From a corporation to its stockholders upon complete or partial liquidation of the corporation in a transaction which qualifies for income tax treatment pursuant to § 331, 332, 333 or 337 of the Internal Revenue Code as it exists at the time of liquidation;

8. To the surviving or new corporation, partnership, limited partnership, business trust, or limited liability company upon a merger or consolidation to which two or more such entities are parties, or in a reorganization within the meaning of § 368 (a) (1) (C) and (F) of the Internal Revenue Code as amended;

9. To a subsidiary corporation from its parent corporation, or from a subsidiary corporation to a parent corporation, if the transaction qualifies for nonrecognition of gain or loss under the Internal Revenue Code as amended;

10. To a partnership or limited liability company, when the grantors are entitled to receive not less than 50 percent of the profits and surplus of such partnership or limited liability company; provided that the transfer to a limited liability company is not a precursor to a transfer of control of the assets of the company to avoid recordation taxes;

11. From a partnership or limited liability company, when the grantees are entitled to receive not less than 50 percent of the profits and surplus of such partnership or limited liability company; provided that the transfer from a limited liability company is not subsequent to a transfer of control of the assets of the company to avoid recordation taxes;

12. To trustees of a revocable inter vivos trust, when the grantors in the deed and the beneficiaries of the trust are the same persons, regardless of whether other beneficiaries may also be named in the trust instrument, when no consideration has passed between the grantor and the beneficiaries; and to the original beneficiaries of a trust from the trustees holding title under a deed in trust;

13. When the grantor is the personal representative of a decedent's estate or trustee under a will or inter vivos trust of which the decedent was the settlor, other than a security trust defined in § 55-58.1, and the sole purpose of such transfer is to comply with a devise or bequest in the decedent's will or to transfer title to one or more beneficiaries after the death of the settlor in accordance with a dispositive provision in the trust instrument; or

14. When the grantor is an organization exempt from taxation under § 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code that is organized and operated primarily to acquire land and purchase materials to erect or rehabilitate low-cost homes on such land, which homes are sold at cost to persons who otherwise would be unable to afford to buy a home through conventional means, located in Amherst County or the City of Lynchburg.

B. The taxes imposed by §§ 58.1-803 and 58.1-804 shall not apply to any deed of trust or mortgage:

1. Given by an incorporated college or other incorporated institution of learning not conducted for profit;

2. Given by the trustee or trustees of a church or religious body or given by an incorporated church or religious body, or given by a corporation mentioned in § 57-16.1;

3. Given by any nonstock corporation organized exclusively for the purpose of owning and/or operating a hospital or hospitals not for pecuniary profit;

4. Given by any local governmental entity or political subdivision of the Commonwealth to secure a debt payable to any other local governmental entity or political subdivision; or

5. Securing a loan made by an organization described in subdivision 14 of subsection A of this section.

C. The tax imposed by § 58.1-802 and the fees imposed by § 58.1-802.1 shall not apply to any:

1. Transaction described in subdivisions 6 through 13 of subsection A of this section;

2. Instrument or writing given to secure a debt;

3. Deed conveying real estate from an incorporated college or other incorporated institution of learning not conducted for profit;

4. Deed conveying real estate from the United States, the Commonwealth or any county, city, town, district or other political subdivision thereof;

5. Conveyance of real estate to the Commonwealth or any county, city, town, district or other political subdivision thereof, if such political unit is required by law to reimburse the parties taxable pursuant to § 58.1-802 or subject to the fee under § 58.1-802.1; or

6. Deed conveying real estate from the trustee or trustees of a church or religious body or from an incorporated church or religious body, or from a corporation mentioned in § 57-16.1.

D. No recordation tax shall be required for the recordation of any deed of gift between a grantor or grantors and a grantee or grantees when no consideration has passed between the parties. Such deed shall state therein that it is a deed of gift.

E. The tax imposed by § 58.1-807 shall not apply to any lease to the United States, the Commonwealth, or any county, city, town, district or other political subdivision of the Commonwealth.

F. The taxes and fees imposed by §§ 58.1-801, 58.1-802, 58.1-802.1, 58.1-807, 58.1-808 and 58.1-814 shall not apply to (i) any deed of gift conveying real estate or any interest therein to The Nature Conservancy or (ii) any lease of real property or any interest therein to The Nature Conservancy, where such deed of gift or lease of real estate is intended to be used exclusively for the purpose of preserving wilderness, natural or open space areas.

G. The words "trustee" or "trustees," as used in subdivision 2 of subsection A, subdivision 2 of subsection B, and subdivision 6 of subsection C, include the trustees mentioned in § 57-8 and the ecclesiastical officers mentioned in § 57-16.

H. No recordation tax levied pursuant to this chapter shall be levied on the release of a contractual right, if the release is contained within a single deed that performs more than one function, and at least one of the other functions performed by the deed is subject to the recordation tax.

I. No recordation tax levied pursuant to this chapter shall be levied on a deed, lease, easement, release, or other document recorded in connection with a concession pursuant to the Public-Private Transportation Act of 1995 (§ 56-556 et seq.) or similar federal law.

Prepared by and, after Recording, Return to:

Grantee’s Name and Current Address:

Tax Map Reference No.

Consideration and/or assumption balance to be paid: $

Exempt from Recordation Taxes pursuant to Section , Virginia Code.

GIFT DEED
(Individual to Individual)

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS THAT:

FOR CONSIDERATION of the love and affection which , an individual, married unmarried, hereinafter referred to as “Grantor”, bears unto , married unmarried, hereinafter referred to as “Grantee”, and also for the better maintenance, support, protection and livelihood of Grantee, Grantor does hereby give, grant, and convey unto Grantee, the following lands and property, together with all improvements located thereon, lying in the County of , State of Virginia, to-wit:

Describe Property of State "SEE DESCRIPTION ATTACHED"

Prior instrument reference: Book , Page , Document No. , of the Recorder of County, Virginia.

SUBJECT to all easements, rights-of-way, protective covenants and mineral reservations of record, if any.

TO HAVE AND TO HOLD same unto Grantee, and unto Grantee’s heirs and assigns forever, with all appurtenances thereunto belonging.

WITNESS Grantor(s) hand(s) this the day of , 20.

Signature of Grantor

Type/Print Name

Commonwealth of Virginia

County of

The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this (date) by (name of person(s) acknowledged).

Notary Public

Printed Name:

My Commission Expires:

Enter text✕

What a Gift Deed Is and when it’s used

A Gift Deed is a written legal instrument used to transfer ownership of real property from a grantor to a grantee without monetary consideration. In the United States a Gift Deed conveys title by describing the property, naming the parties, and including a signature, usually with a notary acknowledgement; recording at the county recorder’s office completes public notice. Gift Deeds are commonly used for intra-family transfers, estate planning, and when owners wish to transfer property outside of a sale. Proper execution, notarization, and accurate legal description are essential to ensure clear title.

Why a properly drafted Gift Deed matters

A clear Gift Deed documents an intentional, irrevocable conveyance of property and reduces title disputes, simplifies transfer at death, and establishes recordable evidence of ownership. Including precise legal descriptions, notarization, and proper signatures improves enforceability under state recording statutes and avoids future re-title costs.

Why a properly drafted Gift Deed matters

Who typically prepares and signs a Gift Deed

In practice these roles overlap: attorneys draft, grantors sign, and title professionals confirm recording and chain of title.

  • Donors and family members transferring property for estate planning or family support.
  • Grantees receiving property, often adult relatives, trusts, or entities.
  • Title companies, real estate attorneys, and county clerks handling recording and title review.

Roles and responsibilities

Donor (Grantor)

The person transferring property. The grantor must have capacity, sign the deed in presence of any required witnesses and a notary, and provide an accurate legal description to avoid title defects or tax consequences.

Recipient (Grantee)

The person or entity receiving title. The grantee should verify the deed’s legal description, confirm no undisclosed liens, and ensure the deed is recorded promptly with the county recorder to protect ownership rights.

Essential parts of a professional Gift Deed

A complete Gift Deed combines descriptive, transactional, and authentication elements so it can be recorded and relied upon by title examiners and courts.

Parties

Full legal names of grantor(s) and grantee(s) with current mailing addresses; mismatched or informal names can cause title issues and delay recording.

Legal Description

A precise metes-and-bounds or lot-block-tract description tied to the county plat; street addresses alone are insufficient for recording and title searches.

Consideration Clause

State the transfer as a gift (e.g., 'for love and affection' or 'gratuitous transfer'); clarity here affects tax reporting and deed interpretation.

Habendum / Vesting

Language specifying ownership interest (fee simple, joint tenancy, tenancy in common) and any survivorship rights that determine future title succession.

Signatures & Notary

Signature block for grantor(s) plus notary acknowledgment and any witness lines required by state law to validate execution for recording.

Recording Block

Space for county recorder stamps, recording number, and date; recordation provides constructive notice and protects the grantee’s title.

Step-by-step: preparing and recording a Gift Deed

Follow these core steps to prepare, sign, and record a Gift Deed correctly and reduce the chance of later title disputes.

  • 01
    Prepare Document: Draft deed with full legal description and vesting language.
  • 02
    Confirm Parties: Verify grantor capacity and grantee identity and legal name.
  • 03
    Execute and Notarize: Sign with required witnesses and obtain a notary acknowledgment.
  • 04
    Record Deed: File at county recorder; pay recording fee and obtain instrument number.

From signed deed to public record

Recording converts a private written transfer into public notice and establishes a searchable title history at the county level.

  • Sign: Grantor signs in presence of notary and any required witnesses.
  • Notarize: Notary completes acknowledgment and attaches seal.
  • Submit: Deliver deed to county recorder with payment.
  • Record: Recorder enters instrument and issues recording number.

Configuring an online execution workflow

Set digital authentication, notarization, and routing before sending to ensure each signing step meets legal and recording requirements.

Authentication Level Email link, SMS code, or stronger KBA depending on state and risk.
Remote Online Notary Enable RON where state permits and record audio‑video session.
Field Locking Make legal description and vesting fields read-only after placement.
Routing Order Define signing sequence for grantors, witnesses, and notary.
Delivery Options Provide signed PDFs to all parties and to title company automatically.

Technical and format considerations for e-execution

Ensure chosen tools provide an immutable audit trail and file formats accepted by the county recorder to avoid rejection.

  • Document Formats: PDF, DOCX, and fillable forms are supported for upload.
  • Integrations: Connect with Salesforce, NetSuite, Microsoft 365, and Google Workspace.
  • Notary Support: Platform should support RON and produce notarized PDF output.

Key dates and timing to watch

Certain dates determine tax reporting, effective ownership, and recorder acceptance—plan execution and recording accordingly.

Execution Date:

Date on which the grantor signs the deed.

Notarization Date:

Date the notary completes the acknowledgement; typically matches execution.

Recording Date:

Date county recorder files the instrument and issues a recording number.

Gift Tax Filing:

N/A for most small gifts; IRS Form 709 required if lifetime gift exceeds exemption threshold.

Title Insurance Update:

Notify title insurer after recording to update policy and coverage.

Milestones from draft to recorded deed

Sequential milestones ensure execution integrity and public recordation; follow them in order to avoid processing delays.

01

Draft Completion

Prepare deed with verified legal description and vesting language.

02

Signing & Notary

Execute with required witnesses and obtain notary acknowledgment.

03

County Submission

Deliver deed and fees to county recorder or use e-recording service.

04

Recording Confirmation

Receive recording number and deliver final copy to parties.

Common mistakes to avoid when preparing a Gift Deed

  • Using a street address instead of the legal description, which often causes recorder rejection and title search discrepancies.
  • Failing to obtain required witness signatures or improper notarization, creating a defect that impairs recordability.
  • Not verifying grantee entity names (LLC/trust suffixes), which can invalidate the transfer or cause unintended ownership.
  • Delaying recording after execution, leaving a gap where intervening liens or claims can arise against the property.

Legal and financial risks of an incorrect Gift Deed

Title Defect: Clouds title and may require corrective instruments.
Tax Exposure: Potential gift tax reporting and IRS Form 709 consequences.
Recording Refusal: Recorder may refuse defective or incomplete deeds.
Reversion Risk: Improper execution can lead to property retransfer disputes.
Liens Remain: Existing liens generally survive an unremedied gift transfer.
Probate Complications: Unrecorded transfers can complicate estate administration.

Comparing eSignature vendors for executing Gift Deeds

Vendor pricing, enterprise features, and compliance capabilities vary. The table lists core per-user pricing and key features to consider when choosing a platform for deed execution and notarization.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No
Envelope Cap No cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan

Frequently asked questions about Gift Deeds

Answers to common questions about execution, revocation, recording, and electronic notarization of Gift Deeds.


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