Earnest money (bayana) receipt
A one-page receipt for earnest money paid on a property deal.
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Not yet reviewed by a lawyer. Check every line before it is signed.
How the paper begins
With Dastavo's sample details; the people and places are fictional. The words in blue are the ones you fill in.
RECEIPT OF EARNEST MONEY
I, Gurdev Singh son of Shri Karnail Singh, aged about 48 years, resident of House No. 88, Model Town, Amarnagar, Tehsil and District Amarnagar, Punjab, have received ₹1,00,000 (Rupees One Lakh only) by cash from Anil Verma son of Shri Ramesh Verma, aged about 31 years, resident of House No. 204, Sector 9, Shantipur, District Shantipur, Haryana as earnest money (bayana) for the sale of a residential plot of 200 square yards, Khasra No. 45/2, Village Kalyanpur to him for a total price of ₹24,00,000 (Rupees Twenty-Four Lakh only). The sale deed shall be registered by 10-01-2027, on payment of the balance price. This receipt is given so that it may serve as proof when needed.
Date: 12-10-2026
WITNESSES:
What to bring
Papers to bring
- Identity proof of the seller and the buyer (photocopies)
- Proof of payment: the bank transfer record, or the cheque or draft number
- The seller's title papers, such as the registry or jamabandi (fard), to write the property correctly
- Two witnesses, each with an identity proof
Where to go
Signed by the seller, who receives the money, before two witnesses, and given to the buyer. It is usually not registered.
Fee
Plain paper is enough; a receipt above the amount set in the stamp law carries a revenue stamp, signed across by the person receiving the money.
Good to know
- Pay by bank transfer or cheque: the income-tax law limits cash in property deals, even for earnest money.
- Write the full terms in "Agreement to sell (ikrarnama) with earnest money": a receipt alone may not prove everything agreed.
- Before paying, have the title checked: a search of the registers and a fresh copy of the record (see "Application for certified copies of land or registration records").
Papers and fees can change. Check with the office before you go. Guidance only, not yet reviewed by a lawyer.
Stamp paper
A receipt for more than ₹5,000 usually carries a one-rupee revenue stamp, signed across.