For income tax purposes, there’s no tax on gifts—to make or receive them. For federal gift tax purposes, there’s an annual exclusion ($14,000 in 2015 and 2016). Above that, you can apply your lifetime exclusion ($5.43 million in 2015 and $5.45 million in 2016). If you’re married and your spouse consents to the gift, you can double these amounts.
Debt secured by a principal residence or second home to the extent of the excess of fair market value over acquisition debt. An interest deduction is generally allowed for home equity debt up to $100,000 ($50,000 if married filing separately).