Updated: June 7, 2025 • Reading time: about 9 min

Table of contents

• Introduction
• Mistake 1: Unclear amount statement
• Mistake 2: No advance-on-inheritance clause
• Mistake 3: Lack of witnesses
• Mistake 4: Wrong language version
• Mistake 5: No secure storage
• Comprehensive checklist
• Conclusion

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Introduction

A gift deed for money seems easy to write – until an inheritance dispute arises or the bank stops the transfer. Below we list the five most frequent errors that lawyers at Mallbutiken encounter in client cases, and how to fix them directly in your Gift Deed .

Mistake 1: Unclear amount statement

The problem: The amount is stated in numbers only ( 100000 ) or in words only ( One hundred thousand ). Spelling or formatting errors can lead to disputes.

Solution

• Always write numbers and letters : 100 000 SEK (One hundred thousand Swedish Krona) .
• Use thousands spaces ( ): makes the number easy to read and reduces the risk of extra zeros.
• Set currency code ( SEK ) – even if the recipient converts to another currency.

Mistake 2: No advance-on-inheritance clause

The problem: Gifts to children are automatically considered an advance on inheritance according to Chapter 6, Section 1 of the Swedish Inheritance Code – unless otherwise agreed.

Solution

Include checkboxes in the gift certificate:

 ☐ The gift shall be considered an advance on inheritance
 ☐ The gift shall not be considered an advance on inheritance

Cross out the box that does not apply and have both parties initial it.

Mistake 3: Lack of witnesses

The problem: For a cash gift, no witnesses are required by law, but without independent witnesses, the document could be questioned by siblings or the bank.

Solution

• Add two witness lines (name + personal ID + signature).
• Choose witnesses without a financial interest in the gift.
• Scan both pages with the witnesses' signatures for digital archiving.

Mistake 4: Wrong language version

The problem: The recipient, bank or foreign tax authority does not understand Swedish clauses – the transaction is stopped or misinterpreted.

Solution

1. Write the gift certificate in English (or bilingual Swedish/English).
2. Use internationally accepted legal terms – Gift Deed, Donor, Donee, Separate Property .
3. Check that name spelling matches passport/ID for KYC.

Mistake 5: No secure storage

The problem: The only original is in a desk drawer – it disappears when moving or in a fire, which makes the evidence uncertain.

Solution

• Scan the document to PDF at high resolution (300 dpi).
• Save the copy in at least two separate cloud services (e.g. Google Drive + iCloud).
• Store the original in a fireproof cabinet or safe deposit box.
• Note the file location and password in a digital will or password manager.

Comprehensive checklist

Amount in numbers and letters
Advance-on-inheritance checkbox marked and initialed
Testimonial lines filled in
English (or bilingual) version
PDF copy backed up

Conclusion

By avoiding these five mistakes, you will save both money and family peace. Do you need a legally reviewed Gift Deed template that already has checkboxes, witness lines and standard English clauses? Download our template for just 49 SEK , fill it out in five minutes and store it safely – and your gift of money will be future-proof.