Do you have to declare a loan from family?
Andrew Mclaughlin
Published Mar 26, 2026
There are unlikely to be any immediate tax consequences if parents or other family members make you a loan. But if you agree to pay them interest, the lender may have to pay tax on the interest they receive, depending on their individual tax position.
Lenders must declare the received interest on their self assessment form as a taxable form of income. Loans that are interest free do not require the recipient or the benefactor to pay tax.
What do you do when a relative asks for a loan?
Remember to convey your rationale as clearly as possible. Talk about your own finances. Detail the precise financial reasons you’re not comfortable giving the money. Explain how a loan may cause you financial hardship and (if you feel comfortable) detail to your relative what you can and can’t afford.
Is it illegal to borrow money from family?
Is lending money legal? Yes, it is. It’s legal to lend money, and when you do, the debt becomes the borrower’s legal obligation to repay. You can take legal action against your borrower in the case of a default in small claims court.
How much money can you lend a family member UK?
Up to £3000 a year can be gifted without paying tax at all and up to £5000 can be given as a wedding gift. For more information about inheritance tax on gifting, read our guide.
How do you tell a family member no to borrow money?
If you don’t want to get involved with lending money to friends and family, here are 6 tips to help you say no:
- Make it Your Policy. Make it your policy not to lend money to friends and family.
- Be Direct and Brief.
- Ask for Time to Decide.
- Offer to Help in Other Ways.
- Give Money as a Gift.
- Don’t Disclose Financial Details.
How do I request money from a family member?
Get your finances in order before asking anyone for money. Find ways to cut back on expenses and earn more money. Start a personal budget to keep yourself on track each month. You’ll need to know as much as possible about your financial situation to present a compelling case to your family.
Can You loan money to a family member?
A loan to family is still considered an asset and Centrelink requires you to make this information available. 4. Include the loan in your tax return If you’re receiving interest from your loan the tax office needs to know about it, even though it’s coming from a family member.
What are the tax implications of a family loan?
Tax implications: If the family loan is interest-free and over $15,000, the family member who loaned the money may need to file a gift tax return. If the loan includes interest, the lender must follow IRS interest rate guidelines and potentially report it as income.
What happens if a family member defaults on a loan?
When a family member co-signs the loan, that person agrees to become responsible for the payments if the borrower defaults. Remember, both the borrower’s and the co-signer’s credit is on the line if the borrower is late making payments.
What should I know before taking out a family loan?
Loans between family members can be risky. Before any money changes hands, think about putting these conditions in place. Loan terms: The borrower and lender ideally should agree on a repayment schedule and an interest rate before making a loan. Loan terms should be put into a signed contract.