If a resale home down payment receipt is lost, the buyer should immediately contact the escrow or closing agent who handled the transaction. Request a replacement receipt or certification confirming the payment was made. Verify the transaction details, including the date, amount, and property address, to ensure accuracy. If the original receipt is unavailable, the closing agent may provide a substitute document or a tax basis statement for IRS purposes. The buyer should also review their bank statements to confirm the payment was processed and save all correspondence related to the loss.

The steps are critical because lost down payment receipts can lead to tax compliance issues, legal disputes, or difficulty proving financial responsibility during the closing process. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires documentation to verify mortgage-related payments for tax deductions or refunds (IRS Publication 530, 2023). A 2022 study by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) found that 7% of homebuyers faced complications during closing due to missing financial records, often delaying transactions by 15–30 days. Additionally, escrow agents are legally obligated under the American Transferable Recordkeeping Profile (ATRP) to maintain accurate records, and failure to provide a receipt may violate state real estate regulations. For example, California Civil Code § 1701 mandates that closing agents issue written receipts for all payments. Proactively addressing the loss mitigates risks of audits, disputes, or penalties, ensuring smooth transaction closure.