The principles of calculating Inheritance Tax are quite straightforward (the details are slightly simplified here) - the problems can come with doing it in practice.

• Add up the gross value of the estate (everything in sole name, the share of things in joint names, major gifts given away in the last 7 years, anything given away but which the donor still benefited from )
• Take away any debts (this can include the funeral, but not other estate administration expenses)
• Take away any exemptions (anything going to legal spouse, anything to charity)
• Take away ‘relieved’ assets (e.g. qualifying family business, or a working farm)

For what is left, up to the IHT-free limit (the Nil Rate Band) is taxed at 0% but the excess is taxed at 40% In 2009/10 the NRB is £325,000, so leaving £326,000 produces an IHT bill of £400. By careful planning even those with an apparent IHT problem may be able to reduce or even eliminate their family’s future tax bill. However, your Will writer will need to look at this carefully with you.

The new IHT rules bring in the ‘Transferable NRB’, which might mean that couples can leave everything to each other yet still exploit both NRBs when the family eventually inherit.

The planned Nil Rate Band limits for coming years have been published in the Budget.

For more information or to talk things through, simply call us on
0800 90 20 429 or email us here