Skip to main content

News story

June 13, 2022

Inheritance Tax account IHT100 forms

HMRC announces an updated approach to the clearance process and the timeline for IHT100 Inheritance Tax account forms.

In its recent Trusts and Estates Newsletter, HMRC announced some changes to the processing of IHT100 forms. These change the timelines for when those who have submitted an IHT100 form can expect the matter to settle.

But what is an IHT100 form, and when do you need to use one? This article provides a brief overview of IHT100 forms, and the recent changes announced.

What is an IHT00 form?

IHT100 is not a single form but a collection of forms and supplementary pages designed to tell HMRC about any ‘chargeable events’, which means that inheritance tax will be due on a trust or gift.

When do you need to submit an IHT100 form?

You must submit an IHT100 form when a chargeable event occurs. For example, if:

  • you make a lifetime transfer that is chargeable to inheritance tax when it is made;
  • a potentially exempt transfer is made, and the transferor did not survive for seven years after the transfer;
  • property is given subject to a reservation;
  • property ceases to be held on discretionary trusts;
  • the termination of an interest in possession in settled property occurs within seven years of the life tenant’s death;
  • the termination of an interest in possession in settled property arises because of the life tenant’s death;
  • a principal charge arises on the tenth anniversary of a discretionary trust; and
  • a flat rate charge arises because a special trust no longer meets any special tax treatment conditions. For example, if the trust stops having charitable status or beneficiaries have reached a certain age.

Changes to the IHT100 form timeline

In the recent newsletter, HMRC announced some improvements to the timeline for dealing with IHT100 forms. After submission, HMRC will now confirm receipt of the form in writing and provide a date 12 weeks from the acknowledgement of receipt when the person submitting the form will hear from HMRC about their form submission. If the person does not hear from HMRC by this date, they can assume that HMRC has no further questions about their form submission. This updated guidance applied to forms submitted on or after 20 April 2022.

In addition, the newsletter sets out that when HMRC decides to open a compliance check into a taxpayer’s form IHT100, they will write to the taxpayer to let them know when the compliance check has come to an end. However, they will not issue a standard clearance letter; if you wish to apply for clearance, you must submit a form IHT30.

For all your Inheritance Tax queries, contact James McMullan today.

Stay in touch

Subscribe to our newsletter

Stay in touch

By completing your details and submitting this form you confirm you are happy for us to send you marketing communications and that you agree to our Website Privacy Policy and Legal Notice and to us using Mailchimp to process your data.


Sending

News/Insight

  • Why is clear contract drafting important?
    How simple contract clauses can protect your business.


    Read more
  • Ensuring equality: A legal guide to responsibilities and compliance
    Understanding equal opportunities in the workplace


    Read more
  • Navigating the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023: What it means for your business
    The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (the Act) represents a significant shift in the UK's approach to combating economic crime, improving corporate transparency, and anti-mo


    Read more
  • Blowing kisses, not boundaries
    Tribunal clears air on workplace etiquette.


    Read more
  • Estate planning: How not to make mincemeat of it!
    The High Court has confirmed that a will handwritten on the back of two cardboard food packages is legally binding.


    Read more

What they say...

  • Leann Paris, March 2025
    “From the beginning to the end, the support we have received throughout the case with all the staff members has been far more than we expected, we got kept up to date with every single matter, I have had stressful few years but Charlotte and he

  • C Smith, March 2025
    “As executor of a will it was a relief for a solicitor to act on my behalf as though no disputes it was still a lengthy and complex process. It was dealt with mostly by Charlotte B. who kept me informed at all times. She explained the process c

  • Marc, March 2025
    “RIAA Barker Gillette were engaged to handle a real estate transaction with unusual circumstances. As a non-UK resident unfamiliar with English conveyancing procedures, I felt completely satisfied with the depth of the information and explanati

  • Leigh, March 2025
    “Instructed Martin on my first property purchase. He was a delight to work with, kept me informed and updated regularly. It was an incredibly smooth and quick process. Couldn’t be happier.”

  • Ms Brownell, March 2025
    “Patrick was amazing from start to finish. He made the process so easy, and explained each step in detail ahead of time so I’d understand what would happen and when. He was incredibly organized and noted every detail, calling out things t

Read more
Send this to a friend