Imputed interest is a tax concept used by the IRS to ensure that lenders report taxable income on loans that are interest-free or carry interest rates below the market standard known as the Applicable Federal Rate (AFR). When you lend money without charging interest or at a below-market interest rate, the IRS treats a portion of that loan as if interest was paid, calling this imputed interest.
The underlying rationale is that money lent at no or low interest could otherwise have earned taxable interest if invested elsewhere. To prevent tax avoidance—where loans become disguised gifts or untaxed transfers—the IRS imputes interest to equalize tax treatment.
The AFRs vary monthly and are categorized by loan duration: short-term (up to 3 years), mid-term (over 3 and up to 9 years), and long-term (over 9 years). If the interest charged on a private loan is below the applicable AFR, the IRS will calculate imputed interest on the difference.
Here’s how the IRS handles imputed interest:
- The lender is considered to have made a gift, compensation, or dividend to the borrower equal to the imputed interest amount.
- The borrower is deemed to have paid this amount back to the lender as interest.
This accounting means the lender must report the imputed interest as income, while the borrower might be able to deduct it as an interest expense, depending on the loan’s use.
Common examples of imputed interest include family loans (e.g., a parent lending a child money interest-free), employer-to-employee loans at below-market rates, or shareholder loans from a corporation.
The IRS exempts small loans from imputed interest rules, generally those $10,000 or less unless used to buy income-producing assets. For loans between $10,001 and $100,000, imputed interest is limited to the borrower’s net investment income, and if net investment income is $1,000 or less, imputed interest may be zero.
To avoid surprises, consider these tips:
- Charge an interest rate at or above the AFR.
- Use a formal promissory note detailing loan terms.
- Keep thorough records of payments.
- Consult a tax professional when dealing with complex or large loans.
For more detailed information, consult IRS Publication 550 Investment Income and Expenses and review the IRS’s Applicable Federal Rates for current rates. Understanding imputed interest helps prevent unexpected tax liabilities on private loans and ensures compliance with IRS rules.
