When you lose somebody close, not only do you have to deal with a grieving period, there are also a whole host of legal issues to contend with. We know the latter can be confusing at the best of times, never mind when you’re already in a stressful situation. One of those things that can get tricky is inheritance forms. The IHT205 form in particular can bewilder the mind, which is why here at Beeston Shenton Solicitors we’ve put together a guide to the form to make things a little easier for you.
What Is An IHT205 Form?
An IHT205 form is a form that must be sent to HMRC and the local probate registry when there is no inheritance tax to pay on an estate. This would be for inheritance below £325,000, or if anything over this value but below £1,000,000 was left to a spouse, civil partner, or charity.
These are only applicable for deaths that occurred after 6th April 2011. The deceased must have also been a permanent resident of either England, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
Why Do I Need To Fill Out An IHT205 Form?
Before you can get a grant, you must be able to prove that there is no inheritance tax payable. The IHT205 form does this. If the assets are worth over the threshold, an IHT400 form must be completed instead.
What Is Included in An IHT205 Form?
The IHT205 form is split into 15 different sections, each covering a specific topic. Sections include details of the deceased, the estate and assets, a declaration for important information not covered by the form, and debts that need to be paid out of the estate. It’s important to fill this out accurately to ensure that no mistakes are made.
Where Do I Send An IHT205 Form?
Once you have completed your form, this needs to be sent to your local probate registry. If you’re unsure how to find this or struggle with filling out your form, you can gain help from a solicitor.
What Do I Do Next?
The next necessary step after sending off your paperwork and forms is to swear an oath. This promises that everything you filled out on the form is correct to the best of your knowledge. To swear on the paperwork, you can do this either at the local probate registry, or with a solicitor in the office of a commissioner for oaths.
Once you’ve sworn your oath, you should receive your Grant Of Representation in the post within around 10 days, as long as everything is correct.
Our Wills and Probate team here at Beeston Shenton Solicitors are always happy to help. If you have questions or need help with your IHT205 form, you can contact us here.
