Inheritance Tax

  09-10 08-09
Nil-rate band* £325,000 £312,000
Rate of tax on excess 40% 40%
Lifetime transfers to and from certain trusts 20% 20%
Overseas domiciled spouse/civil partner exemption £55,000 £55,000
100% relief: businesses, unlisted/AIM companies, certain farmland/buildings    
50% relief: certain other business assets    
*Up to 100% of the unused proportion of a deceased spouse's/civil partner's nil-rate band can be claimed on the surviving spouse's/civil partner's death after 8 Oct 2007
     
Reduced tax charge on gifts within 7 years of death
Years before death 0-3 3-4 4-5 5-6 6-7    
% of death tax charge 100 80 60 40 20    
Annual exempt gifts £3,000 per donor £250 per donee    

© Copyright 22nd April 2009, subject to Finance Act 2009. For information only. Always seek professional advice before acting.