2a. Inheritance Tax - Introduction and Lifetime Transfers Flashcards
What is the current inheritance tax nil-rate band (NRB), and what is the inheritance tax rate (IHT)?
£325,000. 40%.
When are lifetime transfers to trusts and companies chargeable to IHT?
Chargeable when made
When are lifetime transfers to individuals chargeable to IHT?
When the donor dies within seven years, and the transfer exceeds the NRB
The transfers of what assets are chargeable to IHT depending on whether the donor is domiciled (1) in the UK and (2) outside the UK?
Domiciled in UK: All worldwide assets, wherever situated
Not domiciled in UK: UK assets only
What is the term given to a non-domiciled donor’s assets located outside the UK?
Excluded property
What are the two primary considerations when determining whether a transfer is a chargeable transfer?
- Whether there has been a reduction in value in the estate as a result of the transfer
- Whether donor intended to make a transfer of value
Selling something below market value would cause a reduction in value of the estate. When is this not deemed a transfer for IHT purposes?
When the transfer is to an unconnected person and there is no gratuitous intent behind the lower price
What is one exception to the general rule that a reduction in value of the estate will render a transfer chargeable?
Expenditure on the maintenance of one’s family
How is transferred property valued if it is worth more when combined with property already owned by the recipient, e.g. 10% of shares transferred to someone who already owns 41% makes their entire holding more valuable on single-share basis?
The transferred property is valued at the higher amount
What is a potentially exempt transfer?
A lifetime gift to an individual
It is neither exempt nor chargeable, but becomes chargeable if the donor dies within seven years
What is the spouse/civil partner exemption to IHT on both lifetime transfers and transfer on death?
Completely exempt from IHT
What is the exception to the spouse/civil partner exemption?
If the donor spouse in UK-domiciled and the recipient spouse is non-UK domiciled, only the first £325,000 is exempt
Gifts to charities in what locations are exempt from IHT and what is the monetary limit?
UK and EEA. No limit.
What is the value threshold for the small gift exemption to IHT on lifetime transfers and is there a limit on how many of these can be made in a year?
£250. No limit on number of transfers.
What does it mean that the small gift exemption is an all or nothing exemption?
If the gift exceeds £250 at all, the entire gift is chargeable, not just the portion which exceeds the threshold
What are the limits on exempt lifetime gifts on marriage for (1) a parent, (2) a grandparent, (3) bride to groom (vice versa), and (4) all others?
- £5,000
- £2,500
- £2,500
- £1,000
Is the wedding exemption all or nothing?
No
If the bride’s father gives a £5,000 gift to his daughter, and then a £1,000 gift to his son-in-law, are both exempt?
No. The limit applies per donor, per wedding
What is the normal expenditure out of income exemption to IHT on a lifetime transfer?
A recurring gift is exempt from IHT if the donor is left with sufficient income to maintain their normal standard of living, i.e. the donor was not trying to lower the value of their estate for IHT purposes
What is the annual exemption for lifetime transfers and can unused amounts be carried forward?
£3,000. Yes, unused amounts can be carried forward one year and a current year’s exemption is used before the previous one
If a donor dies within seven years of a PET, who is the tax payable by?
The recipient
What is a chargeable lifetime transfer?
A lifetime gift which is not exempt or potentially exempt