Do I Need to Pay Zakat for the Expected Gift Money?

You do not need to pay Zakat on expected gift money until you receive it. 

Here’s why:

• Zakat is due based on your wealth. It is calculated based on your current assets. This means that until the gift is in your possession, it does not count towards your Zakat calculation.
• Expected gift money is not subject to Zakat: If someone has promised to give you money but you haven't received it yet, you are not required to pay Zakat for that money. Zakat only applies to wealth that is actually in your hands.
• Possession matters: Zakat is due to the wealth you possess and can use for your purposes. Since you don’t yet own the gift, it isn’t included in your Zakat calculation.
• When the gift is received: Once the gift is given to you, and you hold it for a full lunar year, you will then be required to pay Zakat on it.
• Zakat applies to wealth held for a full year: If you receive the gift and keep it for a year, you will pay Zakat on it at the end of that period.

Thus, you do not need to pay Zakat on money you have not yet received as a gift. Only once the gift is in your possession and after holding it for a full lunar year, will it be subject to Zakat.

And Allah knows best!