Gifted property with no notice

[Steve Barrett]

Interesting occurrence...

My wife’s grandmother has decided to deed her house to my wife. She told us she was going to do it, but we thought it would just be an estate issue. 

I searched the tax rolls today and see that, in fact, my wife is now listed as the “Special Warranty Gift Deed” holder.

I don’t understand how this can happen without my wife having signed or even really agreed to accept it.

Thoughts?

[Greg H.]

@David Lee Hall, III

Gift tax is the responsibility of the gifter and not the recipient

@Steve Barrett

In Texas a deed does not have to be signed for by the recipient(Grantee).  I would suggest getting a lawyer involved to attempt to under this transaction and do it property for tax purposes as this can be done without gift tax.  Or is the value of the property is under $60000 if she is married or $30000 if not, this is not most likely an issue