Inheritance Tax Calculator

Calculate the potential Inheritance Tax (IHT) liability on your estate using current UK rates and allowances.

Estate Details
Assets
£
Main residence and other properties
£
Bank accounts, ISAs, shares, etc.
£
Vehicles, jewellery, furniture, etc.
£
Business assets, overseas assets, etc.
Liabilities
£
£
Credit cards, loans, funeral costs
Exemptions & Reliefs
£
Exempt from IHT if UK-domiciled
£
Exempt from IHT + may reduce rate
Nil-Rate Band Options
Property left to direct descendants
Unused allowance from deceased spouse
Gifts Made Within 7 Years
£
Potentially Exempt Transfers (PETs)
Taper relief may apply
Understanding Inheritance Tax
What is Inheritance Tax?

Inheritance Tax (IHT) is a tax on the estate of someone who has died. It's paid from the estate before any inheritance is distributed to beneficiaries. The current threshold is £325,000 - estates below this value pay no IHT.

Nil-Rate Bands
  • Standard Nil-Rate Band (NRB): £325,000 - no IHT on this amount
  • Residence Nil-Rate Band (RNRB): Additional £175,000 if passing your home to direct descendants (children, grandchildren)
  • Transferable Bands: Unused nil-rate bands from a deceased spouse can be transferred
Common Exemptions
  • Spouse/Civil Partner: Everything left to a UK-domiciled spouse is exempt
  • Charity: Gifts to registered charities are exempt
  • Annual Gift Exemption: £3,000 per year (not included in this calculator)
  • Small Gifts: Up to £250 per person per year
The 7-Year Rule

Gifts made more than 7 years before death are exempt from IHT. Gifts made within 7 years may be subject to taper relief:

Years Before Death Tax Reduction
0-3 years0% (full 40%)
3-4 years20% reduction
4-5 years40% reduction
5-6 years60% reduction
6-7 years80% reduction
Pensions and IHT from April 2027

From 6 April 2027, most unused defined contribution pension funds and pension death benefits will be brought into the value of your estate for Inheritance Tax purposes. Death-in-service benefits and dependants' scheme pensions from defined benefit or collective money purchase arrangements are expected to remain excluded. This is a confirmed future change - this calculator does not yet include pension assets, so estates with significant pension wealth should seek updated advice.

Current IHT Rates
Nil-Rate Band £325,000
Residence NRB £175,000
Maximum (couple) £1,000,000
Standard Rate 40%
Charity Rate 36%

Rates for 2026/27 tax year

IHT Planning Tips
  • Make use of annual gift exemptions (£3,000/year)
  • Consider gifts from surplus income (exempt if regular)
  • Leave 10%+ to charity to get 36% rate
  • Consider life insurance in trust to cover IHT bill
  • Business Property Relief: 100% exemption on the first £2.5m combined with Agricultural Property Relief (50% above that, since 6 April 2026)
  • Agricultural Property Relief for farmland shares the same £2.5m allowance, transferable between spouses/civil partners
  • Make a valid Will to ensure your wishes are followed