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AFR Loan Calculator

The IRS publishes AFR rates monthly — short-term, mid-term, long-term. Setting a family loan below AFR triggers imputed interest and gift-tax reporting. This calculator picks the right tier and quantifies the imputed-interest risk if underpriced.

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Compliant with AFR

No

Required AFR tier

Long-term

Required AFR rate

4.90%

Rate shortfall

1.90%

Annual imputed interest

$3,800

Lifetime imputed interest

$57,000

Lender's annual phantom tax

$912

How the math works

$200K 15-year loan at 3% vs 4.9% long-term AFR: 1.9% shortfall × $200K = $3,800/yr imputed interest. Lender owes phantom income tax + gift reporting; over 15 years, $57K imputed.

Fix: charge at or above current AFR tier, add 0.25% cushion for safety, document everything in writing with a promissory note.

How to Use

  1. Enter loan amount and term years to pick the right AFR tier (short/mid/long).
  2. Enter the current AFR (look up IRS Revenue Ruling) and the rate you're actually charging.
  3. See compliance status and annual/lifetime imputed interest if underpriced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I find current AFR?

IRS publishes monthly (search 'IRS Applicable Federal Rates'). Use the Revenue Ruling's annual rate with annual compounding for typical fixed-rate family loans.

What if I charge below AFR?

IRS imputes interest at AFR. Lender has phantom interest income (taxable); the shortfall is a gift each year. Below $10K loans not used for income property are exempt; $10K-$100K have net-investment-income limit.

Can I use short-term AFR for a 10-year loan?

No. Term determines tier: ≤3 years short, 3-9 years mid, >9 years long. Undertier = imputed interest.

Does AFR lock at loan origination?

Yes — the applicable AFR is the one in effect at origination. Subsequent AFR moves don't re-rate the loan. Document the rate and date clearly in the note.

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