As a U.S. attorney who has drafted and reviewed thousands of bills of sale over the past 12 years, I can tell you that a properly executed general bill of sale is one of the simplest yet most powerful tools to protect both buyers and sellers of personal property. Whether you're selling jewelry, furniture, electronics, a used vehicle, or even real estate personal property fixtures, a clear bill of sale for personal property creates an enforceable paper trail and helps satisfy IRS reporting requirements when needed.
In this article, I'll give you my battle-tested free printable general bill of sale template in both PDF and editable Word format, explain exactly when and how to use it across all 50 states, and show you how to customize it for specific assets such as bill of sale jewelry, firearms, boats, or even items removed during a real estate closing.
Important Disclaimer: This template and article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by state. Always consult a licensed attorney or tax professional in your jurisdiction before completing a significant transaction.
A general bill of sale is a legal document that records the transfer of ownership of personal property from a seller to a buyer for an agreed price (or sometimes as a gift). Unlike a vehicle-specific title transfer or a real estate deed, a general bill of sale covers everything that isn't real property—tangible items you can move.
The IRS considers a bill of sale critical supporting documentation for:
| Asset Type | Use General Bill of Sale? | Additional Documents Usually Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Jewelry, watches, precious metals | YES – Highly recommended | Appraisal, GIA certificate if applicable |
| Furniture, appliances, electronics | YES | None |
| Firearms (non-FFL) | YES in most states | State-specific forms + background check where required |
| Used vehicle (private party) | YES + state title | Odometer disclosure, smog cert (CA), title signature |
| Boat or trailer | YES | State registration transfer forms |
| Business equipment or inventory | YES | UCC-1 if financed |
| Personal property sold with real estate | YES – separate from deed | Itemized list attached to purchase agreement |
Click the buttons below to download my attorney-drafted 2025-updated template:
Download General Bill of Sale Template – Editable Word (.docx)
Download General Bill of Sale Template – PDF (Ready to Print)
Both versions include optional clauses for “as-is” sales, payment plans, and notary block (required or recommended in AL, LA, MD, NE, NH, WV for certain transactions).
In my practice, bill of sale jewelry transactions are among the most litigated because of authenticity disputes. Always include:
I recommend having the piece appraised within 30 days of sale for insurance purposes (most carriers require it).
When buyers want the washer/dryer, chandelier, or custom drapes, use a separate bill of sale real estate personal property rather than including in the deed. This keeps the real estate closing clean for title insurance purposes and allows different tax treatment.
According to IRS Publication 551:
Keep your signed bill of sale with your tax records for at least 7 years.
I've used versions of this exact general bill of sale template Word and PDF in transactions from $500 furniture sales to $180,000 diamond necklaces without a single dispute making it to court. Download it, customize it, sleep better at night.
Remember: This free printable general bill of sale gives you attorney-level protection at zero cost—but it is not a substitute for professional legal or tax advice on complex or high-value transactions.
Need a version customized for your state or asset? Feel free to reach out through the contact form—I'm happy to help fellow Americans protect their transfers properly.