02/08/2024
π Understanding Inheritance Tax and Allowances π‘
At Macanta Wills, we know that planning for the future can be daunting, especially when it comes to understanding inheritance tax (IHT). Hereβs a breakdown of the key points, including the important allowances you need to be aware of: the Nil-Rate Band (NRB) and the Residence Nil-Rate Band (RNRB).
What is Inheritance Tax (IHT)?
Inheritance Tax is a tax on the estate (the property, money, and possessions) of someone who has passed away. The current standard IHT rate is 40%, which is only charged on the part of your estate thatβs above the tax-free threshold.
Key Allowances:
1. Nil-Rate Band (NRB)
Amount: The NRB is currently Β£325,000.
Application: This is the threshold up to which the estate has no IHT liability. For estates valued below this amount, no IHT is payable.
Transferable Allowance: If you're married or in a civil partnership, any unused NRB allowance can be transferred to the surviving partner upon death, potentially doubling the threshold to Β£650,000.
2. Residence Nil-Rate Band (RNRB)
Amount: The RNRB is an additional allowance of Β£175,000.
Application: This allowance is available if you pass on your home, or a share of it, to your children or grandchildren.
Transferable Allowance: Similar to the NRB, the RNRB can be transferred between spouses or civil partners, offering up to Β£350,000 additional threshold.
Tapering: For estates valued over Β£2 million, the RNRB reduces by Β£1 for every Β£2 over this threshold.
Example Calculation
If you leave an estate worth Β£375,000, including your home, and pass it to your children:
NRB: Β£325,000
RNRB: Β£175,000
Total Tax-Free Allowance: Β£500,000
In this case, your estate would not be liable for any IHT.
Planning Ahead
Ensuring that your estate is efficiently planned can save your loved ones from significant tax burdens. Our experts at Macanta Wills are here to guide you through the process and help you make the most of these allowances.
π Contact Us: For personalised advice and will writing and estate planning services, call us on 01924 682091 or email us at [email protected].