Minnesota Forms

Stearns County Gift Deed Form

Stearns County Gift Deed Form

Stearns County Gift Deed Form

Fill in the blank form formatted to comply with all recording and content requirements.

Document Last Validated 8/22/2025
Stearns County Gift Deed Guide

Stearns County Gift Deed Guide

Line by line guide explaining every blank on the form.

Document Last Validated 7/9/2025
Stearns County Completed Example of the Gift Deed Document

Stearns County Completed Example of the Gift Deed Document

Example of a properly completed form for reference.

Document Last Validated 6/26/2025

All 3 documents above included • One-time purchase • No recurring fees

Immediate Download • Secure Checkout

Important: Your property must be located in Stearns County to use these forms. Documents should be recorded at the office below.

Where to Record Your Documents

Service Center, Room 2203
Address:
3301 County Road 138
Waite Park, Minnesota 56387

Hours: 8:00am to 4:30pm M-F

Phone: (320) 656-3855

Recording Tips for Stearns County:
  • Leave recording info boxes blank - the office fills these
  • Avoid the last business day of the month when possible
  • Recording fees may differ from what's posted online - verify current rates
  • Both spouses typically need to sign if property is jointly owned

Cities and Jurisdictions in Stearns County

Properties in any of these areas use Stearns County forms:

  • Albany
  • Avon
  • Belgrade
  • Brooten
  • Cold Spring
  • Collegeville
  • Elrosa
  • Freeport
  • Greenwald
  • Holdingford
  • Kimball
  • Melrose
  • New Munich
  • Paynesville
  • Richmond
  • Rockville
  • Roscoe
  • Saint Cloud
  • Saint Joseph
  • Saint Martin
  • Saint Stephen
  • Sartell
  • Sauk Centre
  • Waite Park

View Complete Recorder Office Guide

Hours, fees, requirements, and more for Stearns County

How do I get my forms?

Forms are available for immediate download after payment. The Stearns 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 Stearns County?

Yes. Our form blanks are guaranteed to meet or exceed all formatting requirements set forth by Stearns 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 Stearns 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 Stearns County?

Recording fees in Stearns County vary. Contact the recorder's office at (320) 656-3855 for current fees.

Questions answered? Let's get started!

Gifting Real Estate (Real Property) in Minnesota

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, telephone number and vesting. Vesting describes how the grantee holds title to the property. For Minnesota residential property, the primary methods for holding title are tenancy in common and joint tenancy. A conveyance to two or more persons is presumed to create a tenancy in common, unless a joint tenancy is specifically created (Minn. Stat. Ann. 500.19(2)).

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. When claiming a minimum deed tax or an exemption, include Deed Tax Form 1 (287.21). If there is a well on the property, include a Well Disclosure Certificate, or applicable e-certificate number (103I.235). An Affidavit Regarding Seller by Individual(s) and an Affidavit Regarding Purchaser by Individual(s) must also be signed and notarized. 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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota, 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

(Minnesota GD Package includes form, guidelines, and completed example)

Important: Your property must be located in Stearns County to use these forms. Documents should be recorded at the office below.

This Gift Deed meets all recording requirements specific to Stearns County.

Our Promise

The documents you receive here will meet, or exceed, the Stearns 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

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