15/11/2022
THOMPSONS ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES LTD
In the current tax year, 2022/23, no inheritance tax is due on the first £325,000 of an estate, with 40% normally being charged on any amount above that.
However, what is charged will be less if you leave behind your home to your direct descendants, such as children or grandchildren. This is because you will then have two tax-free allowances:
• £325,000 – this is the basic inheritance tax allowance, which still applies.
• £175,000 – since 2015 you've also been able to take advantage of something called the 'residence nil-rate band', commonly known as the 'main residence' band. This is an additional allowance you'll receive ON TOP of the existing £325,000 inheritance tax allowance if you pass on a main residence to your children or grandchildren.
This means inheritance tax might not be due on the first £500,000 of your estate (£325,000 + £175,000), depending on who you leave your home to. However:
• The £175,000 main residence allowance only applies if your estate is worth less than £2 million.
• On estates worth £2 million or more, the main residence allowance will decrease by £1 for every £2 above £2 million that the deceased's estate is worth.
• Your home won’t qualify for the £175,000 main residence allowance if it's in a discretionary will trust, even if the beneficiaries of the trust are your children or grandchildren.
A very complicated subject!!
Please call if you wish to discuss the implications of your own estate – we would be happy to help.