Tax Information Inheritance Tax

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Transfers on or Within Seven Years Before Death
2003/04 2002/03
Nil rate band to £255,000 £250,000
Rate of tax on balance 40% 40%
Chargeable lifetime transfers 20% 20%

All lifetime transfers not covered by exemptions and made within seven years of death will be added back into the estate for the purpose of calculating the tax payable. This may then be reduced by taper relief.

Charge on Gifts Within 7 Years of Death
Years before death 0–3 3–4 4–5 5–6 6–7
Tax reduced by 0% 20% 40% 60% 80%
Main Reliefs
Business property:
business or interest therein 100%
qualifying shareholders in unquoted * companies 100%
land, buildings, machinery, or plant used by transferor’s controlled company or partnership 100%
business or interest therein 50% or 100%

* Unquoted companies include those listed on AIM

Main Exemptions

Did you know?

The return to the Government remains constant year-on-year at £2.4 billion. However, the available reliefs and exemptions 'cost' the Government almost £10 billion each year.