Before the Grant of Representation is obtained it is necessary to value the estate of the deceased and to identify any Inheritance Tax due. The correct Inheritance Tax form must be identified and correctly completed and submitted to HM Revenue & Customs. As part of the process the Executor or Administrator must prove either that they have paid any Inheritance Tax due, or that there is none to pay.

Every person has an Inheritance Tax- free allowance on death. The threshold at which Inheritance Tax is due is called the nil rate band, above which Inheritance Tax is payable at 40%.

Tax Year	Nil Rate band
2008-2009	£312,000
2009-2010	£325,000
2010-2011	£325,000

Importantly, spouses or civil partners are able to transfer the unused portion of their "nil-rate band" to the surviving spouse or partner to use on their death. Care needs to be taken in order to accurately prove when any unused portion of the nil-rate band transfers from one spouse to another.

If you require further information contact Peasegoods on 0800 163 059 or fill in the online contact form.