Bay County Gift Deed Form

Bay County Gift Deed Form
Fill in the blank form formatted to comply with all recording and content requirements.

Bay County Gift Deed Guide
Line by line guide explaining every blank on the form.

Bay County Completed Example of the Gift Deed Document
Line by line guide explaining every blank on the form.
All 3 documents above included • One-time purchase • No recurring fees
Immediate Download • Secure Checkout
Additional Michigan and Bay County documents included at no extra charge:
Where to Record Your Documents
Bay County Register of Deeds
Bay City, Michigan 48708-5122
Hours: 8:00 to 5:00 M-F
Phone: (989) 895-4228
Recording Tips for Bay County:
- Bring your driver's license or state-issued photo ID
- Ensure all signatures are in blue or black ink
- Double-check legal descriptions match your existing deed
- Verify all names are spelled correctly before recording
- Recorded documents become public record - avoid including SSNs
Cities and Jurisdictions in Bay County
Properties in any of these areas use Bay County forms:
- Auburn
- Bay City
- Bentley
- Essexville
- Kawkawlin
- Linwood
- Munger
- Pinconning
- University Center
Hours, fees, requirements, and more for Bay County
How do I get my forms?
Forms are available for immediate download after payment. The Bay County forms will be in your account ready to download to your computer. An account is created for you during checkout if you don't have one. Forms are NOT emailed.
Are these forms guaranteed to be recordable in Bay County?
Yes. Our form blanks are guaranteed to meet or exceed all formatting requirements set forth by Bay County including margin requirements, content requirements, font and font size requirements.
Can I reuse these forms?
Yes. You can reuse the forms for your personal use. For example, if you have multiple properties in Bay County you only need to order once.
What do I need to use these forms?
The forms are PDFs that you fill out on your computer. You'll need Adobe Reader (free software that most computers already have). You do NOT enter your property information online - you download the blank forms and complete them privately on your own computer.
Are there any recurring fees?
No. This is a one-time purchase. Nothing to cancel, no memberships, no recurring fees.
How much does it cost to record in Bay County?
Recording fees in Bay County vary. Contact the recorder's office at (989) 895-4228 for current fees.
Questions answered? Let's get started!
Gifts of Real Property (Real Estate) in Michigan
A gift deed, or deed of gift, is a legal document voluntarily transferring title to real property from one party (the grantor or donor) to another (the grantee or donee). A gift deed typically transfers real property between family or close friends. Gift deeds are also used to donate to a non-profit organization or charity. The deed serves as proof that the transfer is indeed a gift and without consideration (any conditions or form of compensation).
Valid deeds must meet the following requirements: The grantor must intend to make a present gift of the property, the grantor must deliver the property to the grantee, and the grantee must accept the gift. Gift deeds must contain language that explicitly states no consideration is expected or required, because any ambiguity or reference to consideration can make the deed contestable in court. A promise to transfer ownership in the future is not a gift, and any deed that does not immediately transfer the interest in the property, or meet any of the aforementioned requirements, can be revoked [1].
A lawful gift deed must also include the grantor's full name and marital status, as well as the grantee's full name, marital status, mailing address, and vesting. Vesting describes how the grantee holds title to the property. For Michigan residential property, the primary methods for holding title are tenancy in common, joint tenancy, and tenancy by entirety. A grant of ownership of real estate to two or more unmarried persons is presumed to create a tenancy in common, unless otherwise stated in the conveyance. Transfers to a married couple create a tenancy by entirety. (MCL 554.43--45). Gift property acquired by one spouse vests as sole ownership (MCL 557.21).
As with any conveyance of real estate, a gift deed requires a complete legal description of the parcel. Include all relevant documents, affidavits, forms, and fees with the along with the deed for recording as well. File a Property Transfer Affidavit whenever real estate is transferred to ensure correct assessment for tax purposes. The new owner must file in the city or township where the property is located within 45 days of transfer (MCL 207.504, 207.525). Record the completed deed at the local County Recorder's office.
The IRS levies a Federal Gift Tax on any transfer of property from one individual to another with no consideration, or consideration that is less than the full market value. Gifts of real property in Michigan are subject to this federal gift tax. In accordance with federal law, individuals are permitted an annual exclusion of $15,000 on gifts. This means that gifts valued below $15,000 do not require a federal gift tax return (Form 709). Even so, grantors should consider filing one for many gifts of real property [2]. The grantor is responsible for paying the federal gift tax; however, if the grantor does not pay the gift tax, the grantee will be held liable [1].
In Michigan, there is no state gift tax. For questions regarding tax laws, consult a tax specialist.
With gifts of real property, the recipient of the gift (grantee) is not required to declare the amount of the gift as income, but if the property accrues income after the transaction, the recipient is responsible for paying the requisite state and federal income taxes [3].
This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for the advice of an attorney. Contact a lawyer with any questions about gift deeds or other issues related to the transfer of real property. For questions regarding federal and state taxation laws, consult a tax specialist.
[1]https://nationalparalegal.edu/public_documents/courseware_asp_files/realProperty/PersonalProperty/InterVivosGifts.asp
[2] http://msuextension.org/publications/FamilyFinancialManagement/MT199105HR.pdf
[3] https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/frequently-asked-questions-on-gift-taxes
(Michigan Gift Deed Package includes form, guidelines, and completed example)
Important: Your property must be located in Bay County to use these forms. Documents should be recorded at the office below.
This Gift Deed meets all recording requirements specific to Bay County.
Our Promise
The documents you receive here will meet, or exceed, the Bay County recording requirements for formatting. If there's an issue caused by our formatting, we'll make it right and refund your payment.
Save Time and Money
Get your Bay County Gift Deed form done right the first time with Deeds.com Uniform Conveyancing Blanks. At Deeds.com, we understand that your time and money are valuable resources, and we don't want you to face a penalty fee or rejection imposed by a county recorder for submitting nonstandard documents. We constantly review and update our forms to meet rapidly changing state and county recording requirements for roughly 3,500 counties and local jurisdictions.
4.8 out of 5 - ( 4578 Reviews )
James C.
November 3rd, 2020
Deed was filed with county quickly. Great service!
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James A.
June 11th, 2019
As advertised.
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BARBARA L.
February 15th, 2023
Fairly easy to use. I had to really search to get some info. I had to use the Exhibit feature because the description box was way too small and I ended up re-typing it. The package had good and useful links. The County Clerk looked at it and said, "I see you used an online form, and that's OK, but..." and proceeded to show me a couple of things that were left out. They recorded it with no problems.
Thank you!
Diane G.
August 5th, 2022
easy to use
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October 15th, 2024
Although I didn't get what I needed, the customer service is outstanding. I got a text asking if I needed any help. He canceled my subscription right away and was very helpful. He responded quickly each time.
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April 19th, 2022
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January 23rd, 2019
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June 11th, 2022
Very easy to understand and complete the process. This is the third attempt to download a Quit Claim Deed and the only one we had success with. Thank you.
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January 26th, 2021
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