Inheritance tax (IHT) is charged on estates above the nil-rate band and can significantly affect the amount beneficiaries receive. Probate Find connects you with specialist solicitors and advisers who can calculate your liability, identify available reliefs and ensure your HMRC obligations are met correctly.
Key facts about inheritance tax advice
- Standard IHT rate: 40% on estate value above £325,000
- Residence nil-rate band: up to £175,000 for homes passing to direct descendants
- Spouse and civil partner transfers: unused nil-rate band can be transferred
- Business Property Relief (BPR): up to 100% relief on qualifying business assets
- Agricultural Property Relief (APR): available on qualifying agricultural land and buildings
What is inheritance tax advice?
Inheritance tax is a tax levied by HMRC on the value of an estate above the nil-rate band (currently £325,000). The standard rate is 40%. Additional reliefs — including the residence nil-rate band (up to £175,000 where a home passes to direct descendants), Business Property Relief (BPR) and Agricultural Property Relief (APR) — can reduce or eliminate the liability. A qualified specialist will assess the full picture and ensure every available relief is claimed.
When is it needed?
Inheritance tax advice is relevant where an estate may exceed the nil-rate band of £325,000, or where the estate includes a residential property, business assets, agricultural land, lifetime gifts made within seven years of death, or complex trust arrangements. Even where no IHT is due, an IHT return must be submitted to HMRC in most cases.
The process — step by step
Assess the estate
Your specialist will identify all assets and liabilities, including gifts made within seven years of death, to determine the taxable estate.
Calculate available reliefs
Every applicable relief is identified — from the residence nil-rate band to BPR, APR and charitable exemptions — to minimise the IHT liability.
Submit HMRC return
The relevant IHT return (IHT400 or IHT205 for excepted estates) is prepared and submitted to HMRC. Any IHT due must be paid before probate is granted.
Obtain HMRC clearance
Once HMRC is satisfied, they issue a clearance letter confirming the IHT position. This forms part of the estate administration record.
How Probate Find helps
Probate Find matches you with an experienced IHT specialist who will review the estate, calculate the liability, identify all available reliefs and complete the HMRC IHT400 return (or IHT205 for excepted estates). They will also advise on making the most of nil-rate band transfers between spouses and any planning opportunities for future generations.
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