TV personality Anne Robinson recently made headlines for legally avoiding Inheritance Tax (IHT) by gifting her £50 million estate to her family. But how did she do it? This article explores the UK’s inheritance tax rules, the seven-year gifting rule, and the potential risks of estate planning strategies.
Inheritance tax (IHT) is a contentious subject for many, especially as it revolves around the sensitive topic of what happens to one’s assets after death. For those affected, understanding the basic IHT rules is crucial. However, the waters become muddier when considering situations involving a non-domiciled spouse.
There has been much chatter in the press recently regarding the abolition of Inheritance Tax (IHT). However, for the time being, and for the foreseeable future I expect, it remains a thing and should be planned for accordingly. One effective way to do this is via gifting. If you make a gift during your lifetime, it becomes exempt from IHT after seven years. However, many people are unsure how to report these lifetime gifts to the taxman (HMRC).
Inheritance tax (IHT) is a concern for many expats who retain a connection to the United Kingdom (e.g. domicile), as it can significantly impact the wealth passed down to future generations. However, with proper planning and the right strategies, it is possible to mitigate the burden of inheritance tax.
In 2021, the UK taxman collected GBP5.7 billion from inheritance tax (IHT). You shouldn’t think that, because you are an expat, this doesn’t concern you.