Can a promissory note be interest free?

If you decide to give the loan without charging any interest, be prepared to justify it to the IRS, because it literally is a gift in the IRS’s eyes. The IRS can “impute” interest on your loan, whether you actually charged any interest or not, and require you to report that imputed interest as income.

Where do I get a promissory note?

If you are borrowing money from a lending institution, they will have someone on staff who creates a promissory note. However, if you need a promissory note for a personal loan or a loan between friends and family, you can contact a lawyer or financial professional to help you create a promissory note.

How legal is a promissory note?

Promissory notes are legally binding whether the note is secured by collateral or based only on the promise of repayment. If you lend money to someone who defaults on a promissory note and does not repay, you can legally possess any property that individual promised as collateral.

Do promissory notes have to be notarized?

Signatures. Generally, promissory notes do not need to be notarized. Typically, legally enforceable promissory notes must be signed by individuals and contain unconditional promises to pay specific amounts of money. Generally, they also state due dates for payment and an agreed-upon interest rate.

How can I legally give someone a loan?

How to Lend Money to Family and Friends

  1. Tell your friend or relative you’ll think about it.
  2. Look at your finances before making a loan.
  3. Get everything in writing.
  4. Consider setting the debt payment plan on autopay.
  5. Understand the legal and tax consequences.
  6. Consider whether to charge interest.
  7. Learn to say no next time.

Does promissory note stand up court?

Whether the signature of the lender is a mandatory requirement will differ from state to state. However, the signatures of the borrower and witness are of prime importance as without them, the note will be invalid and not have any legal capacity in a court of law.

Does a promissory note need to be recorded?

Unlike a deed of trust or mortgage, the promissory note is typically not recorded in the county land records (except in a few states like Florida). Instead, the lender holds on to this document until the amount borrowed is repaid.

Can a private person lend money with interest?

Like every investment there are associated risks, but today it is possible for an individual to lend money and earn significant returns on it. Most of us remember the movies of 1980s where unscrupulous moneylenders would harass and torment the borrower with exorbitant interest rates and absurd terms and conditions.