Inheritance tax can be paid in instalments.

 Inheritance tax is typically due by the end of the sixth month following the date of death. So, if someone died on April 4, 2020, any inheritance tax owed on their estate would be due on October 31, 2020.

Non-cash assets, such as property, shares, and other similar items, are frequently included in a deceased person's estate, and the beneficiaries may need to sell part of these assets to raise the funds needed to pay the inheritance tax obligation. The tax system recognises this and permits instalment payments for inheritance tax on assets that may take a long time to sell.

Option to pay in instalments

If the executors intend to pay inheritance tax in instalments, they must indicate this on form IHT400. Inheritance tax on some assets that take a long time to sell can be paid over a ten-year period in equal annual instalments.

If the assets are sold, however, the tax must be paid in full.

Assets that can be paid in instalments

Inheritance tax can be paid in instalments on the following items:

  • Land, such as a house that a recipient maintains or rents out;
  • shares or securities in which the deceased held more than 50% of the company's stock;
  • Unlisted shares and securities worth more than £20,000 constitute 10% of the nominal value of the shares or 10% of the value of the company's ordinary share capital.

Payment can also be made in instalments if at least 20% of the inheritance tax owing by the estate is on assets that qualify for instalment payment and paying it all at once would create financial hardship.

If there is still inheritance tax to be paid on gifts in the form of buildings, shares or securities, or all or part of a business, it can be paid in instalments as well.

If IHT is due on the net value of the business, but not on the business assets, tax can be paid in instalments if the dead estate contains a profit-making firm.

Dates of payment

The first instalment is due on the standard IHT due date, which is the end of the sixth month after the deceased's death. For the next nine years, subsequent instalments are due on this date each year.

Interest

When paying by instalments, interest is charged on the second and subsequent payments on both the whole balance of the outstanding tax and the second and subsequent instalments. When an instalment is not paid on time (including the first instalment), interest is charged from the due date to the date of payment.

Getting the bill paid

The outstanding bill, as well as any interest linked with it, can be paid at any time. If the assets are sold subsequently, clearing the outstanding debt may be a better alternative. HMRC can provide you with a final settlement sum.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

When should you hire an accountant for your company?

A step-by-step guide to establishing a limited business

Tenant Deposits: Mistakes to Avoid