Rates

The March 2021 Budget fixed the IHT nil rate band at £325,000 until the end of 2025/26. Holding the threshold at the same amount for 17 years (from 6 April 2009) will bring far more people into the scope of the tax. However, the introduction of the ‘residential nil rate band enhancement’ on death transfers can reduce the impact where it applies. A married couple are now able to leave up to £1 million free of IHT to their direct descendants (£325,000 plus £175,000 from each parent), but the rules are complicated, and the prospect of the nil rate band being fixed for the next 4 years increases the importance of proper IHT planning.