Inheritance Tax Solicitors

For Inheritance Tax there is a limit put in place, known as the ‘Nil rate band’ which is currently set at £325,000. If a deceased person is passing on their estate which is below this limit they pay no tax as the rate is set at 0%. However, if the deceased person’s estate is anything above this £325,000 the Inheritance tax rate is usually 40%.

At P.A. Duffy and Co., our Inheritance Tax Solicitors will talk you through the different options available for you to reduce the amount of Inheritance Tax.  Here is a list that we have compiled:

• Gift giving– If you have passed your possessions to your beneficiary as a ‘gift’ seven years before your death then you do not have to pay any Inheritance Tax. These gifts could be in the form of property, money, investments, or your belongings. It is important to note that if you die within seven years and surpass the nil rate band allowance then your beneficiary may be entitled to pay the Inheritance tax.

• Wills – by receiving Solicitor advice you can be confident in knowing that your needs and requirements are covered in the drafting of your Will. Will drafting limits Inheritance Tax as you are clearly establishing what happens to your assets when you die and by clarifying who your beneficiaries are, this leaves no loose ends and therefore is tax efficient.

• Charity donations– If you make donations to charities in your Will, then these donations are free from Inheritance tax. Inheritance tax can be reduced for your loved ones if you donate to charities and still pass your assets onto your loved ones, this will benefit them further down the line as the Inheritance tax rate is reduced.

If you have inherited an Estate from a deceased loved one and you are concerned you may have to pay the Inheritance tax, we recommend that you contact our office, and our Inheritance tax solicitors will provide the best legal advice to you.

The Executor or Personal Representative has a duty to inform the Estate’s value to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and then they pay the Inheritance Tax from the Estate before distributing it to the beneficiaries.

It is important to note that the Inheritance tax is paid by the Executor or Personal Representative prior to you receiving the Estate.

However, if you received the monies or property as a gift from the individual during their lifetime and their Estate surpassed the ‘nil rate band-allowance’ (currently £325,000) and die within the seven-year period, then you may be entitled to pay the Inheritance tax as a beneficiary.

Contact our legal team or complete the online enquiry form on this page and we will be sure to get back to you with further legal advice and guidance as soon as possible.