What are the tax consequences of quitclaiming a deed to my son?
Emma Jordan
Published Feb 21, 2026
There are tax consequences of quitclaiming a deed to a family member. Quitclaim deeds are widely used to complete real estate transfers between family members. You might want to grant your property to your son as a gift or as part of your estate planning.
How does a quitclaim deed work after death?
Quitclaim deeds represent an easy and effective way to transfer property to family members after death. That being said, tax repercussion might come into play if and when the property is sold. A quitclaim deed (often mistakenly referred to as a “quick claim deed”) is a simplified process of transferring property from one person to another.
Can a father quitclaim property before he dies?
My father wants to quitclaim deed his property over to me before he dies. Can this be done? “Can be done” and “should be done” are two very different things here. Yes, if we’re talking about real estate, your father can simply sign a deed transferring the property to you.
What happens when parents deed a property to their children?
Answer: If the parents transfer the property during the parents’ lifetime without remaining on the title as a joint owner, then the children receive the property with the same tax basis that the parents had in the property. The tax basis is generally what the parents paid for the property plus any capital improvements to the property,…
Do you need a quitclaim deed when selling your home?
If you are selling your home now, you may not remember that you signed and received a deed when you purchased your property, such as a warranty deed or quitclaim deed. The particular real estate deed provides proof of ownership for the buyer and transfers the title or deed to you, regardless of who the property owner (or co-owner) was before you.
Is it legal to deed property to one child?
Answer: An unrecorded deed can be legal, both Hamby and Konopka said. However, there is an important condition. Let’s say a mother deeds her property to one child and that child never records it.
Can a mother change her mind and deed the property to another child?
If the mother later changes her mind and deeds the property to another child or to someone else (who had no knowledge of the first deed) and that person records the deed, the second deed holder would most likely be the owner of the property, Konopka said.
How are quitclaim deeds different from Grant deeds?
Furthermore, unlike warranty or grant deeds, quitclaims make no guarantees about the property’s condition or the status of the property’s title. So, when a quitclaim deed is contested, all that is under consideration is ownership of the property.
What should I do about my mom’s Quit Claim Deed?
I am not sure of what I need to do now. I am wanting to avoid probate if possible. Ask a lawyer – it’s free! You need to have a lawyer examine the quit claim deed. Was titled transferred to you outright or in joint tenancy. If validly executed it can be recorded after your mother’s death and be a valid transfer.