Probate/inheritance tax

[Brinyan]

As executor for my late mother, I made an application for Probate & submitted inheritance tax forms at the same time. I had to bring in my late fathers allowance also, as total was just over the present limit. Probate has been issued. Does this mean that they’ve accepted no inheritance tax is due, or may there be further correspondence requesting further information? Thanks

[anonymous-user]

You cannot get Probate unless any applicable Inheritance Tax (or a good estimate of it) has been paid. So at face value the answer to your question is there's no further tax risk.

However, if HMRC discover fraud they can re-open it and the executors will be personally liable whether or not they are still holding any of the deceased's assets. Similarly, if the the executors unexpectedly discover further assets (or historical gifts which might trigger a tax liability) they should declare and pay any relevant tax.

[Brinyan]

Thanks. I’ve been totally honest, including all gifts over the previous 7 years etc, as aware there’d be consequences if trying to hide anything. I just wondered, as there’s been no request to see my late father’s Will, where everything was transferred to my mother only. Guess the service has been busy recently though.