Inheritance tax

* see note re changes in 2012

It is possible to transfer unused nil-rate band allowances between spouses or civil partners. A claim may be made to utilise any unused nil rate band from the deceased spouse or civil partner's estate.

The amount of the nil rate-band potentially available for transfer will be based on the proportion of the nil-rate band unused when the first spouse or civil partner died. If on the first death the chargeable estate is £162,500 and the nil-rate band is £325,000, then 50% of the original nil-rate band is unused. If the nil rate band when the surviving spouse dies is £325,000, then that would be increased by 50% to £487,500.

All lifetime transfers not covered by exemptions and made within seven years of death will be added back into the estate for the purpose of calculating the tax payable. This may then be reduced by taper relief.

Main exemptions

1. Most transfers between spouses and civil partners.
2. The first £3,000 of lifetime transfers in any tax year plus any unused balance from previous year.
3. Gifts of up to but not exceeding £250 p.a. to any number of persons.
4. Gifts in consideration of marriage or civil partnership: up to £5,000 by a parent, up to £2,500 by a grandparent, or up to £1,000 by any other person.
5. Gifts made out of income that form part of normal expenditure and do not reduce the standard of living.
6. Gifts to charities, whether made during lifetime or on death.
7. Gifts to qualifying political parties
8. From April 2012, a reduced rate of 36% applies where 10 per cent or more of the net estate is left to charity.

Did you know?

That the Treasury is expecting to raise £3 billion (2011/12 £2.9 billion) from inheritance tax.