In India, gifts are not subject to a standalone 'gift tax' (that was abolished in 1998) — instead, gifts received above certain thresholds are taxed as 'income from other sources' in the hands of the recipient under Section 56(2)(x). The rules differ for cash gifts, movable property, and immovable property, and critically, gifts from 'relatives' are fully exempt regardless of amount.
The Core Rule: Section 56(2)(x)
Under Section 56(2)(x) of the Income Tax Act, the following are taxable as income of the recipient in the year of receipt:
| Type of Gift | When Taxable | Amount Taxable |
|---|
| Cash / Money (including cheque, NEFT) | If aggregate exceeds ₹50,000 in a year from non-relatives | Entire amount (not just the excess) |
| Movable property without consideration (jewellery, shares, art, etc.) | If aggregate FMV exceeds ₹50,000 in a year from non-relatives | Entire FMV |
| Movable property at inadequate consideration | If FMV exceeds consideration by more than ₹50,000 | FMV minus consideration paid |
| Immovable property without consideration | If stamp duty value exceeds ₹50,000 | Stamp duty value of property |
| Immovable property at inadequate consideration | If stamp duty value exceeds consideration by more than ₹50,000 AND by more than 10% of consideration | Stamp duty value minus consideration |
Tax rate: at applicable slab rate as income from other sources.
The ₹50,000 Threshold: Aggregate, Not Per Gift
The ₹50,000 limit is aggregate across all gifts received from non-relatives during the financial year — not per individual gift. If you receive ₹20,000 from friend A, ₹20,000 from friend B, and ₹15,000 from colleague C, the total is ₹55,000 — the entire ₹55,000 is taxable (not just the ₹5,000 excess). This is a key misunderstanding — crossing the threshold makes the whole amount taxable.
Who Is a "Relative"? — The Exempt List
Gifts from relatives are fully exempt regardless of amount. The Income Tax Act defines "relative" specifically for this purpose:
- Spouse
- Brother or sister
- Brother or sister of the spouse
- Brother or sister of either parent
- Any lineal ascendant or descendant (parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren)
- Any lineal ascendant or descendant of the spouse
- Spouse of any of the above relatives
⚠ Important non-relatives: Friends, colleagues, business associates, and even cousins are NOT relatives under this definition. A gift of ₹10 lakh from a close friend is fully taxable. A gift of ₹10 crore from your parents is fully exempt.
Other Exempt Situations (Even From Non-Relatives)
Gifts received in the following situations are exempt regardless of amount and regardless of whether from relative or non-relative:
- On the occasion of marriage — gifts received by the bride/groom on their wedding day (not before, not after)
- Under a will or inheritance — property received under a deceased person's will
- In contemplation of death — gift from a person in apprehension of death (causa mortis)
- From a local authority
- From any fund, foundation, university, hospital, or institution referred to in Section 10(23C)
- From a registered charitable trust (Section 12A/12AA)
Gifts of Shares and Securities
Shares and securities received as gifts are particularly common — ESOPs, transfers from parents, wedding gifts of shares. Treatment:
- FMV of shares on the date of receipt = value used for Section 56(2)(x) taxation (if received from non-relative exceeding threshold)
- Cost of acquisition for future capital gains = FMV on date of receipt (same as the value on which gift tax was paid) — avoids double taxation
- Holding period for capital gains starts from date of receipt of gift
For capital gains on subsequent sale of gifted shares, see our capital gains tax guide.
Gifting to Spouse or Minor Child: Clubbing Rules
Even though gifts to a spouse or minor child are exempt from Section 56(2)(x) (they're relatives), the income earned from the gifted asset is clubbed back with the donor's income under Sections 64(1)(iv) and 64(1A). For example: if you gift ₹20 lakh to your spouse who puts it in an FD earning ₹1.5 lakh interest — that ₹1.5 lakh interest is added to your taxable income, not your spouse's. See our clubbing of income guide.
How to Report Gifts in Your ITR
Taxable gifts must be reported under "Income from Other Sources" in your ITR:
- Use ITR-2 (if salaried with gift income) or ITR-3 (if also has business income)
- Report under Schedule OS (Other Sources) — specify the nature: "Gift received from non-relative"
- For immovable property gifts, also report in Schedule AL (Assets and Liabilities) if income exceeds ₹50 lakh
- Keep documentation: gift deed, bank transfer proof, FMV certificate (for property/shares)
Gifts received must also reflect in your AIS (Annual Information Statement) if the payer is a regulated entity. Cross-check your AIS before filing — see our Form 26AS vs AIS guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a cash gift from parents taxable in India? ▼
No. Cash gifts received from parents are fully exempt under Section 56(2)(x) because parents are 'relatives' under the Income Tax Act definition (lineal ascendants). There is no upper limit on tax-free gifts from relatives — a gift of ₹1 crore from your father is completely exempt. The exemption applies to cash, cheque transfers, property, and any other asset gifted by a relative.
I received ₹75,000 as birthday gifts from five friends (₹15,000 each). Is it taxable? ▼
Yes, the entire ₹75,000 is taxable as income from other sources. Friends are not 'relatives' under the Income Tax Act definition, so the ₹50,000 threshold applies. Since the aggregate gifts from non-relatives (₹75,000) exceeds ₹50,000, the entire amount — not just the ₹25,000 excess — is added to your taxable income in that financial year and taxed at your applicable slab rate.
Is property received as inheritance or under a will taxable? ▼
No. Property received through inheritance or under a deceased person's will is specifically exempt from Section 56(2)(x) — it is not treated as a gift. However, when you subsequently sell the inherited property, capital gains tax applies. The cost of acquisition for capital gains is the cost to the original owner (with indexation benefits available), and the holding period includes the period for which the deceased held the property. If inherited from a relative who purchased the property decades ago at a very low cost, the capital gains on sale can be substantial.