New Freedom of Information (FOI) figures indicate that over 5,000 estates paid more than £1 billion in inheritance tax (IHT) on lifetime gifts between the 2020/21 and 2023/24 tax years. The data, obtained from HMRC by financial advice firm NFU Mutual, highlights the financial impact on families.
In the 2023/24 tax year alone, 1,390 estates were liable for £315 million in IHT on late gifts, with an average payment of £226,000 per estate. These figures include gifts known as potentially exempt transfers (PETs), which may become liable for IHT if the donor dies within seven years of making the gift.
While gifts made seven or more years before death are not subject to IHT, those made within this seven-year period may incur tax. The rate of tax can be reduced by taper relief if the gift was made three to seven years before death and exceeds the £325,000 nil-rate band.
Families are reportedly increasing their gifting of money or assets to reduce IHT exposure, a trend that NFU Mutual anticipates will accelerate as most unused pension pots are expected to be included in estates from April 2027. However, financial planning director Ade Babatunde of Rathbones noted that many people begin IHT planning later in life, reducing the time for the seven-year rule to apply.
There are several allowances that are not subject to IHT, including an annual exemption of up to £3,000 per tax year, which can be carried forward for one year if unused. Individuals can also make small gifts of up to £250 to multiple people annually, provided no other exemption has been used for those recipients. Wedding allowances also permit gifts of up to £5,000 from parents, £2,500 from grandparents, and £1,000 from others to those getting married or entering a civil partnership.
Another method involves gifting out of surplus income, where gifts are made regularly from income, not capital, and do not reduce the donor's standard of living. These gifts can fall outside the estate for IHT purposes, with no upper limit, though proper documentation is essential.