Inheritance Tax: How It Works and Ways to Reduce What You Pay

Inheritance tax can be one of the most complex and misunderstood parts of estate planning. While many estates do not pay inheritance tax, those that do can face significant charges if planning has not been considered in advance.

This guide explains UK inheritance tax, how it works, when inheritance tax is paid, how much it can cost, and the main allowances and exemptions that may apply. We also explore common ways people plan to reduce an inheritance tax bill and when professional advice may be helpful.

What Is Inheritance Tax?

Inheritance tax (IHT) is a tax that may be charged on the value of someone’s estate when they die. An estate typically includes property, savings, investments, personal belongings and, in some cases, gifts made during their lifetime.

In the UK inheritance tax system, tax is assessed on the total value of the estate after allowable deductions and exemptions have been applied. Not every estate pays inheritance tax, and many fall below the relevant thresholds.

Key points to consider:

Inheritance tax is usually charged at 40% on the value of the estate above the available allowance

Certain assets and transfers may be exempt or qualify for relief

The tax is normally paid by the estate before beneficiaries receive their inheritance

Understanding how inheritance tax works can help families plan more effectively and avoid unexpected tax bills.

When Do You Pay Inheritance Tax?

In most cases, inheritance tax becomes payable after someone dies but before the estate is fully distributed to beneficiaries. The responsibility for paying the tax sits with the executor or administrator handling the estate.

Key timings to be aware of include:

Inheritance tax is generally due within six months of the end of the month in which the person died

If payment is delayed beyond this point, interest may be charged by HMRC

Certain assets, such as property or some business interests, may allow inheritance tax to be paid in instalments, typically over up to ten years

Inheritance tax usually needs to be paid before probate is granted, which means planning how the tax will be funded is often an important part of estate administration.

How Much Is Inheritance Tax?

The standard rate of inheritance tax in the UK is 40% on the portion of an estate that exceeds the available inheritance tax thresholds and allowances. Any value below these allowances is not subject to inheritance tax.

Reduced rate option

If at least 10% of the net estate is left to charity, the inheritance tax rate applied to the remaining taxable estate may be reduced to 36%. This option is sometimes used as part of charitable or legacy planning.

It’s important to remember that inheritance tax is not charged on the full value of an estate, but only on the amount above the relevant allowances after exemptions and reliefs have been applied.

Inheritance Tax Thresholds and Allowances

The inheritance tax threshold, often referred to as the nil-rate band, is the amount of an estate that can usually be passed on before inheritance tax becomes payable. Understanding how the different allowances work together is key to assessing whether an estate is likely to face an inheritance tax charge.

Main inheritance tax allowances

Allowance | Amount | Notes

Nil-rate band

£325,000

Applies to most estates and has remained frozen in recent years

Residence nil-rate band

Up to £175,000

Applies when a main home is passed to direct descendants, such as children or grandchildren

Transferable allowance

Up to £650,000+

Unused nil-rate bands, including the nil-rate band and the residence nil-rate band, can usually be transferred to a surviving spouse or civil partner.

For married couples and civil partners, unused allowances from the first death can usually be transferred to the surviving partner. This means that, in some cases, a combined estate worth up to £1 million may be passed on before inheritance tax is due, provided the conditions for the residence nil-rate band are met.

How Inheritance Tax Applies to Property and the Family Home

Property is often the most valuable part of an estate and, as a result, plays a significant role in inheritance tax calculations. The value of any property owned at death is usually included in the estate, alongside savings, investments and other assets.

The residence nil-rate band

Inheritance tax allowances can increase where a main residence is left to direct descendants, such as children, grandchildren, stepchildren or adopted children. This additional allowance, known as the residence nil-rate band, is currently worth up to £175,000 per person on top of the standard nil-rate band.

However, this allowance is subject to specific conditions. It only applies to a qualifying main residence and may be reduced or lost entirely for estates with a total value above £2 million. Careful estate planning is often required where property values are high.

Downsizing considerations

If someone downsized, sold their home, or moved into care before death, a downsizing allowance may still apply. This can preserve some or all of the residence nil-rate band, provided assets of equivalent value are passed to direct descendants. The rules can be complex, so records of property sales and asset transfers are important.

Gifts and Inheritance Tax

Making gifts during your lifetime can be an effective way to reduce inheritance tax, but the rules governing gifts are strict and depend heavily on timing, value and who the gift is made to.

Potentially Exempt Transfers (PETs)

Most gifts made to individuals are classed as Potentially Exempt Transfers. These gifts are not immediately subject to inheritance tax, provided the person making the gift survives for at least seven years.

No inheritance tax is due if the giver lives for seven years after making the gift.

If death occurs within seven years, some or all of the gift may be added back into the estate.

The tax liability usually falls on the estate, although in some cases, recipients may be responsible for paying tax on gifts.

Annual and small gift allowances

Certain gifts are exempt from inheritance tax regardless of when death occurs. These include:

An annual gift allowance of £3,000, which can be carried forward one year if unused.

Small gifts of up to £250 per person per tax year.

Wedding or civil partnership gifts, subject to specific limits depending on the relationship.

Taper relief

If a gift becomes taxable because death occurs within seven years, taper relief may reduce the inheritance tax payable. The longer the time between the gift and death, the lower the tax charge may be, although taper relief applies only to the tax due, not the value of the gift itself.

Example: Property, gifts and inheritance tax

Sarah owns a home worth £450,000 and has savings and investments of £250,000, giving her a total estate value of £700,000. She is single and plans to leave her home and remaining assets to her two children. During her lifetime, Sarah also gifted £100,000 to her daughter six years before she died.

How the inheritance tax would be assessed:

Estate value at death: £700,000

Nil-rate band: £325,000

Residence nil-rate band (home left to direct descendants): £175,000

Total allowances: £500,000

This means £200,000 of her estate (£700,000 − £500,000) is potentially subject to inheritance tax.

The £100,000 gift made six years earlier is treated as a Potentially Exempt Transfer. Since Sarah did not survive the full seven years, the gift is added back into the inheritance tax calculation, though taper relief may reduce the tax due.

Inheritance tax is then charged at 40% on the taxable estate and any taxable part of the gift, after allowances and taper relief are applied.

Inheritance Tax and Pensions

Pensions are treated differently from many other assets for inheritance tax purposes, which can make them a valuable tool in estate planning. In most cases, pension savings do not form part of your estate for inheritance tax, allowing them to be passed on more efficiently to beneficiaries.

Key pension rules

Most defined contribution pensions sit outside the estate for inheritance tax

If death occurs before age 75, beneficiaries may receive pension funds tax-free

After age 75, beneficiaries usually pay income tax at their marginal rate

Because pensions often fall outside UK inheritance tax, they are often used strategically, with other assets spent first in retirement. However, nomination forms and beneficiary details should be kept up to date to ensure pension benefits are paid as intended.

Inheritance Tax in Scotland

While inheritance tax rules in Scotland broadly align with those in the rest of the UK, Scotland has its own legal system, which can affect how estates are administered and distributed.

Key Scottish considerations include:

Inheritance tax itself is set at the UK level, so rates and allowances are the same across the UK.

Scots law governs succession and the administration of estates, which differs from English law.

Legal rights may apply to spouses, civil partners and children, giving them entitlement to a share of the estate regardless of the terms of a will.

These differences can affect how assets are distributed and may override certain wishes expressed in a will. As a result, estates with Scottish connections often benefit from advice that takes both tax rules and local succession law into account.

Common Ways to Reduce an Inheritance Tax Bill

There is no guaranteed way to avoid inheritance tax entirely, but careful planning can help reduce the total amount paid. Many strategies focus on making use of allowances, exemptions and reliefs that already exist within the rules.

Common approaches include:

Making regular use of gift allowances during your lifetime

Leaving assets to a spouse or civil partner, which is usually inheritance tax-free

Using trusts in appropriate circumstances to control how assets are passed on

Passing on pension wealth efficiently, given its favourable tax treatment

Leaving at least 10% of the estate to charity to reduce the inheritance tax rate

Reviewing wills regularly to ensure they reflect current rules and personal circumstances

Each option has legal and tax implications, and some strategies involve giving up access to assets. This means planning should balance tax efficiency with your own financial security and long-term needs.

When to Get Professional Advice on Inheritance Tax Planning

Inheritance tax planning can be complex, particularly where estates involve property, business assets or significant pension wealth.

You may want advice if:

Your estate may exceed the inheritance tax threshold

You own property and other substantial assets

You want to make gifts without affecting your own financial security

Your family circumstances are complex

You want to integrate inheritance tax planning with retirement and pension planning

Professional advice can help ensure plans are effective, compliant and aligned with wider financial goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do beneficiaries or the estate pay inheritance tax?

Inheritance tax is normally paid by the estate before assets are distributed. Beneficiaries usually receive their inheritance after tax has been settled.

What happens if inheritance tax can’t be paid immediately?

HMRC may allow instalment payments for certain assets, such as property. Interest may apply if tax is paid late.

Does inheritance tax apply to jointly owned assets?

It depends on how the asset is owned. Assets held as joint tenants usually pass automatically to the surviving owner, while tenants in common form part of the estate.

Are life insurance payouts subject to inheritance tax?

Life insurance may be subject to inheritance tax unless written in trust, in which case it usually falls outside the estate.

Can inheritance tax rules change after someone dies?

The rules applied are those in force on the date of death. Future rule changes do not normally apply retrospectively.

What records should be kept for inheritance tax purposes?

Records of gifts, asset values, debts, property valuations and pension details should be retained to support HMRC reporting.

How far back does HMRC look at gifts when assessing inheritance tax?

HMRC reviews gifts made within the seven years before death when assessing inheritance tax liability.

Who is responsible for reporting inheritance tax to HMRC?

The executor or administrator of the estate is responsible for reporting and paying inheritance tax.