What is inheritance tax and will my estate have to pay it?
General Wills
Inheritance Tax (IHT) is a tax on your estate when you die. Currently, estates pay 40% tax on anything above the tax-free threshold.
Current thresholds (2026):
- Nil Rate Band: £325,000 (first £325,000 is tax-free)
- Residence Nil Rate Band: Additional £175,000 if you leave your home to direct descendants (children/grandchildren)
- Total potential: £500,000 per person tax-free
- Married couples: Can potentially combine allowances up to £1,000,000
Does your estate pay inheritance tax?
If your estate is worth less than £325,000 (or £500,000 if including your home left to children), probably not.
If your estate is above these thresholds, you'll pay 40% tax on the amount over the threshold.
Example:
Estate worth £525,000 (including home left to children)
Tax-free: £500,000
Taxable: £25,000
Tax due: £10,000 (40% of £25,000)
Ways to reduce inheritance tax:
- Leave assets to spouse/civil partner (no IHT between spouses)
- Give to charity (charitable gifts are tax-free and can reduce the rate to 36%)
- Make lifetime gifts (gifts made 7+ years before death are tax-free)
- Use your annual exemption (£3,000 per year)
Most people's estates don't pay inheritance tax. If yours might, consider discussing tax planning with a specialist.