Purchase of car and possible inheritance tax implications
Discussion
My father (a widower ) is in his 90s and lives alone about 15 miles from where I live. Only recently, has he disposed of his car . . . which was effectively worthless, being a 20 year old Hyundai.
I go to see him 4 or 5 times a week, (clocking up 150 - 200+ miles a week) to check on his wellbeing and to take him to the pub/shopping etc. The only sight issue with this, is that my wife and I only have one car and taking my dad out 'ties up' the car, as well as putting more miles on it.
Dad has suggested, that if I were to purchase another car - specifically to ferry him around in, he'd be prepared to make a good contribution towards the purchase price. I'd only be looking to spend a total of about 10K - with the notion of getting something like a Skoda Yeti - something upright that he can get in and out of easily.
My father's estate is likely to fall in to the category where IHT will be payable and I'm worried that even if he paid just £5k (half-price) towards a car, it might be seen as him disposing of his assets to reduce IHT liabilities. [I have siblings and they've all said that they'd be happy for me (alone) to receive money for purchase of a car]. I realise that my father can gift £3K a year, which could be put towards towards the purchase of a car, but that's hardly enough to help me to buy anything decent.
I don't really want to buy another car for taking my father out (if I have to pay 100% of the purchase price), but if that's the only option, then that's probably what I'll do - unless anyone can suggest a better way forward ?
I go to see him 4 or 5 times a week, (clocking up 150 - 200+ miles a week) to check on his wellbeing and to take him to the pub/shopping etc. The only sight issue with this, is that my wife and I only have one car and taking my dad out 'ties up' the car, as well as putting more miles on it.
Dad has suggested, that if I were to purchase another car - specifically to ferry him around in, he'd be prepared to make a good contribution towards the purchase price. I'd only be looking to spend a total of about 10K - with the notion of getting something like a Skoda Yeti - something upright that he can get in and out of easily.
My father's estate is likely to fall in to the category where IHT will be payable and I'm worried that even if he paid just £5k (half-price) towards a car, it might be seen as him disposing of his assets to reduce IHT liabilities. [I have siblings and they've all said that they'd be happy for me (alone) to receive money for purchase of a car]. I realise that my father can gift £3K a year, which could be put towards towards the purchase of a car, but that's hardly enough to help me to buy anything decent.
I don't really want to buy another car for taking my father out (if I have to pay 100% of the purchase price), but if that's the only option, then that's probably what I'll do - unless anyone can suggest a better way forward ?
S6PNJ said:
If your siblings are happy for this, then let your dad gift to all of you and then your siblings gift theirs to you. Will this work?
It's £3K total.But honestly, OP, you're worrying about it too much. Just do it. Even of it gets added back it's normally the estate that pays IHT.
S6PNJ said:
If your siblings are happy for this, then let your dad gift to all of you and then your siblings gift theirs to you. Will this work?
The gift allowance is a total of £3k - not £3k per sibling. (This means that ordinarily, 4 siblings and I can be gifted a wopping £600 in a given tax year). Depends on how you want to pay for it I guess.
What (ultimately) is stopping him buying it outright then selling it on to you at the difference between full price & his contribution?
As long as you're not getting it for a silly silly price surely it'd work? Not like tax is due or anything on selling a car.
What (ultimately) is stopping him buying it outright then selling it on to you at the difference between full price & his contribution?
As long as you're not getting it for a silly silly price surely it'd work? Not like tax is due or anything on selling a car.
Would it not be possible ofr him to be owner (he can pay whatever he likes for it) .
Just insure it with yourself as main driver and car location at your home address.
No cash to change hands and its valoe at time of his death included in his estate.
As an aside if he hasn't used previous tax years £3k gift allowance he can add this to this years allowance- so £6k to spend although first suggestion seems most sensible.
Just insure it with yourself as main driver and car location at your home address.
No cash to change hands and its valoe at time of his death included in his estate.
As an aside if he hasn't used previous tax years £3k gift allowance he can add this to this years allowance- so £6k to spend although first suggestion seems most sensible.
Sheepshanks said:
It's £3K total.
But honestly, OP, you're worrying about it too much. Just do it. Even of it gets added back it's normally the estate that pays IHT.
Got to be honest I don't know the actual legal answer but that's where I'd be.But honestly, OP, you're worrying about it too much. Just do it. Even of it gets added back it's normally the estate that pays IHT.
Spend the quality time with your dad - I really can't see anyone going after you for £5K.
OP , your Dad can do whatever he likes with his money and if your siblings are on board anyway then you have no need to worry.
Hopefully he can outlive the 7 year period for IHT giving and tapering but if not then whatever money he gives you / spends on a car in effect comes out of his first £325k IHT allowance.
Just keep a record of what he gives you.
Hopefully he can outlive the 7 year period for IHT giving and tapering but if not then whatever money he gives you / spends on a car in effect comes out of his first £325k IHT allowance.
Just keep a record of what he gives you.
What do his monthly income & expenses look like? If he has a monthly surplus than he could give you a regular "gift out of surplus income" for a period of time rather than one lump sum. IHT free - it's one of the allowances that you don't hear much about but can be a very good way of avoiding IHT
You’re overthinking it ;-)
Dad gives you £10k, whenever he passes away then you have to fill in the IHT forms and just list the £10k as “gifts in the last 7 years” that way there is no deprivation of assets (if you list it and count it you haven’t hidden it).
As above though I’d list it as £3k last years allowance, £3k this years allowance (both exempt), £4k gift - job done.
Jim
Dad gives you £10k, whenever he passes away then you have to fill in the IHT forms and just list the £10k as “gifts in the last 7 years” that way there is no deprivation of assets (if you list it and count it you haven’t hidden it).
As above though I’d list it as £3k last years allowance, £3k this years allowance (both exempt), £4k gift - job done.
Jim
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