How to avoid gift tax when selling home of 37 years to child?

[fanfare]

there's no gift tax unless your home is worth over $11 million dollars.

If your child buys the home it is not a gift. you'll pay capital gains tax in any case, if applicable.

[fanfare]

updated

[Critter]

If you are gifting equity to reduce the sales price so they can get a mortgage then you may need to file a gift tax return if you give more than $15K per person but you probably will not owe a gift tax.

[Anonymous]

note if you gift it to them, you will need to provide them with your basis because they will need this if they sell.  if they sell then the gain is measured by the difference between net selling price and your basis. 

if selling I would get an appraisal, so you can justify the sales price if the IRS comes calling.

there is no requirement that you sell at fair market value.   you can do partial sale and partial gift.   

basis in part gift part sale

https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/26/1.1015-4