New rules for excepted estates

Some estates are excepted from the need to pay Inheritance Tax. In January 2022, the rules surrounding this changed, with the aim of simplifying the Inheritance Tax process.

From January 2022, it is no longer necessary to complete Inheritance Tax form 205 if an estate is exempt from Inheritance Tax.

Previous regulations

It used to be a requirement that even if an estate was not liable to pay any Inheritance Tax, account form IHT205 had to be completed and filed with HM Revenue & Customs before the estate’s administrators or executors could apply for to the Probate Registry for a Grant of Letters of Administration or a Grant of Probate.

Everyone has an Inheritance Tax allowance and if this is not used when they die, it can be passed on to their spouse. The previous rules stated that where an unused allowance was transferred, then form IHT400 needed to be completed and filed before an application could be made to the Probate Registry. This is a longer and more in-depth form than IHT205.

Where the deceased had made chargeable lifetime transfers, ie. the transfer of money into a trust, there was a requirement to report these when the value exceeded £150,000.

Where an estate included foreign property valued at over £100,000, then form IHT400 was again required.

Excepted estates

An excepted estate arises in the following cases:

  • Where the value of an estate falls below the Inheritance Tax threshold
  • Where an estate is valued at less than £1 million, to include chargeable and exempt lifetime transfers, and the value of property passing to beneficiaries falls below the Inheritance Tax threshold
  • Where the estate is that of an individual not domiciled in the UK and who held only limited UK assets

The new excepted estate regulations

Following criticism of HM Revenue & Customs for requiring extensive information when no Inheritance Tax was payable, the new rules aim to make it easier for those carrying out an estate administration to deal with the initial phase of applying to the Probate Registry for a grant.

The Inheritance Tax (Delivery of Accounts)(Excepted Estates)(Amendment) Regulations 2021 will apply to all estates where the deceased died on or after 1 January 2022.

If an estate is excepted from paying Inheritance Tax, then the value of the estate does not need to be reported to HM Customs & Excise. To calculate the value of an estate, you need to value all of the assets, to include some gifts made in the seven years before death, and subtract debts and other liabilities. You can also discount assets left to a spouse or civil partner. Where the net value falls below the Inheritance Tax threshold, you will not be required to submit an account to HM Customs & Excise.

The value of the estate will still need to be accurately calculated and notified to the Probate Registry at the time of application for a grant.

If you would like to speak to one of our expert estate planners, ring us on 01634 353 658 or email us at rob@pembrokewillwriters.com