Hi there,
My query is that my Sister gave me a sum of money to look after while she went travelling for the year. As it was late in the day, she just lodged it to my account and I opened a high interest deposit account (in my name as she was gone away) and left it there.
Anyway, while she was away I decided to buy a house and decided to use my Sister's money as evidence of funds. She consented to this while she was away. However, that mortgage provider did ask where the funds came from and I said I was 'minding' them for my Sister. They then asked that she provide confirmation that she has no interest in the property and that the funds were advanced to me as a gift, which she did and the mortgage provider is happy with this.
The funds still remain in my name and once my property closes the funds will be returned to my Sister as my financial conditions have changed and I can afford to do so.
I am now concerned that this is a gift for tax purposes and has already eaten into my gift tax threshold.
Any views? Thanks.