Last updated on 24 Sep 2018
Inheritance tax – the tax on the estate of someone who’s died – is undoubtedly a complex area of taxation. Even the basics can seem confusing. We are sometimes asked exactly what constitutes an ‘estate’: essentially, it is the combined value of the property, money and possessions of the person who has died. Typically, that would include the value of their home (less any outstanding mortgage) and its contents, any cars, jewellery, money in bank accounts, pensions, investments, shares and life insurance.
Inheritance tax (IHT) is normally paid at a rate of 40%, but only on the value of your estate above the ‘nil rate band’ of £325,000. However, there are special rules for married couples, and here we explain how the law works for people who are married or in a civil partnership.
Under IHT rules, there are definite benefits to being married or in a civil partnership. In most cases, there is no inheritance tax to pay if you leave everything to your spouse or civil partner. However, if you do make some bequests to other people, the unused portion of your nil rate band is transferred to the surviving spouse.
Inheritance tax marriage exemption example
Take the scenario of a married couple called Bernard and Jane. If Bernard were to die leaving bequests to individuals other than Jane of £100,000 and the tax free allowance is £325,000, that leaves £225,000 unused threshold that can be added to Jane’s tax-free allowance, bringing the total IHT-exempt figure on Jane’s death to £550,000.
Main residence nil rate band allowance
Under new rules which came into effect in the 2017/18 tax year, the nil rate band has been enhanced to make it easier to pass on a main home to direct family without incurring IHT.
Each spouse qualifies for the existing £325,000 nil rate band, but in addition there is currently a £125,000 allowance per person on the main residence when it’s passed to a direct relative. That £125,000 is set to rise by £25,000 each year, until the 2020/21 tax year when a couple will jointly be able to pass on £1m tax-free, so long as the conditions are met, one of which is that their main residence is left to close family. A word of warning – this new allowance is not given automatically, so families that decide to take on probate themselves must bear in mind that they will need to claim the extra allowance.
Inheritance tax facts and figures
In the public mind, IHT is seen as a particularly unpopular tax, no doubt because it becomes payable at a difficult time when families are grieving. However, the vast majority of the population does not pay inheritance tax. According to the Office for Budget Responsibility, in 2017/18, around 22,600 estates were liable to inheritance tax – around 3.8% of the total. However, if you think that your estate will be subject to IHT, or might become liable in the future, it’s a good idea to talk to a Chartered Accountant to explore various ways of keeping the bill to a minimum.
Need help with inheritance tax planning for you and your partner?
Perrys has a dedicated team of inheritance tax specialists ready to advise you on all aspects of inheritance tax. We keep abreast of ever-changing legislation to ensure that you are able to provide for your family and other beneficiaries into the future.
If you’d like further information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on 01892 543900 or drop us an email via ourcontact page.
