Inheritance Tax Act 1984

CHAPTER V U.K. MISCELLANEOUS

Successive charges U.K.

141 Two or more transfers within five years. U.K.

(1) Where the value of a person’s estate was increased by a chargeable transfer (“the first transfer”) made not more than five years before—

(a) his death, or

(b) a chargeable transfer which is made by him otherwise than on his death and as to which the conditions specified in subsection (2) below are satisfied,

the tax chargeable on the value transferred by the transfer made on his death or, as the case may be, referred to in paragraph (b) above (“the later transfer”) shall be reduced by an amount calculated in accordance with subsection (3) below.

(2) The conditions referred to in subsection (1)(b) above are—

(a) that the value transferred by the later transfer falls to be determined by reference to the value of settled property in which there subsists an interest in possession to which the transferor is entitled;

(b) that the value transferred by the first transfer also fell to be determined by reference to the value of that property; and

(c) that the first transfer either was or included the making of the settlement or was made after the making of the settlement.

(3) The amount referred to in subsection (1) above is a percentage of the tax charged on so much of the value transferred by the first transfer as is attributable to the increase mentioned in that subsection; and the percentage is—

(a) 100 per cent. if the period beginning with the date of the first transfer and ending with the date of the later does not exceed one year;

(b) 80 per cent. if it exceeds one year but does not exceed two years;

(c) 60 per cent. if it exceeds two years but does not exceed three years;

(d) 40 per cent. if it exceeds three years but does not exceed four years; and

(e) 20 per cent. if it exceeds four years.

(4) Where in relation to the first transfer there is more than one later transfer, the reduction provided for by this section shall be given only in respect of the earliest of them, unless the reduction represents less than the whole of the tax charged as mentioned in subsection (3) above; and in that case a reduction may be made in respect of subsequent transfers (in chronological order) until reductions representing the whole of that tax have been made.

(5) For the purposes of subsection (4) above, a reduction made in accordance with paragraph (a) of subsection (3) above represents an equivalent amount of tax, a reduction made in accordance with paragraph (b) represents the amount of tax of which it is 80 per cent., and so on.

(6) In determining for the purposes of this section whether or to what extent the value of the transferor’s estate was increased by a chargeable transfer, there shall be disregarded any excluded property consisting of a reversionary interest to which he became entitled on the occasion of or before the chargeable transfer.

(7) Where—

(a) the value of the transferor’s estate was increased in consequence of—

(i) a gift inter vivos, or

(ii) a disposition or determination of a beneficial interest in possession in property comprised in a settlement, and

(b) tax under section 22(5) of the M1 Finance Act 1975 was by reason of the gift or interest payable on a subsequent death,

this section shall apply as if the increase had been by the chargeable transfer made on the occasion of the death.

Marginal Citations

M1 1975 c. 7.

Changes in distribution of deceased’s estate, etc. U.K.

142 Alteration of dispositions taking effect on death. U.K.

(1) Where within the period of two years after a person’s death—

(a) any of the dispositions (whether effected by will, under the law relating to intestacy or otherwise) of the property comprised in his estate immediately before his death are varied, or

(b) the benefit conferred by any of those dispositions is disclaimed,

by an instrument in writing made by the persons or any of the persons who benefit or would benefit under the dispositions, this Act shall apply as if the variation had been effected by the deceased or, as the case may be, the disclaimed benefit had never been conferred.

[F1 (2) Subsection (1) above shall not apply to a variation unless the instrument contains a statement, made by all the relevant persons, to the effect that they intend the subsection to apply to the variation.

(2A) For the purposes of subsection (2) above the relevant persons are—

(a) the person or persons making the instrument, and

(b) where the variation results in additional tax being payable, the personal representatives.

Personal representatives may decline to make a statement under subsection (2) above only if no, or no sufficient, assets are held by them in that capacity for discharging the additional tax.]

(3) Subsection (1) above shall not apply to a variation or disclaimer made for any consideration in money or money’s worth other than consideration consisting of the making, in respect of another of the dispositions, of a variation or disclaimer to which that subsection applies.

(4) Where a variation to which subsection (1) above applies results in property being held in trust for a person for a period which ends not more than two years after the death, this Act shall apply as if the disposition of the property that takes effect at the end of the period had had effect from the beginning of the period; but this subsection shall not affect the application of this Act in relation to any distribution or application of property occurring before that disposition takes effect.

(5) For the purposes of subsection (1) above the property comprised in a person’s estate includes any excluded property but not any property to which he is treated as entitled by virtue of section 49(1) above [F2 or section 102 of the Finance Act 1986].

(6) Subsection (1) above applies whether or not the administration of the estate is complete or the property concerned has been distributed in accordance with the original dispositions.

(7) In the application of subsection (4) above to Scotland, property which is subject to a proper liferent shall be deemed to be held in trust for the liferenter.

Textual Amendments

F1 S. 142(2)(2A) substituted for s. 142(2) (24.7.2002 with application as mentioned in s. 120(4) of the amending Act) by 2002 c. 23, s. 120(1)(4)

F2 Finance Act 1986 Sch. 19, para. 24,with effect from 18March 1986.

143 Compliance with testator’s request. U.K.

Where a testator expresses a wish that property bequeathed by his will should be transferred by the legatee to other persons, and the legatee transfers any of the property in accordance with that wish within the period of two years after the death of the testator, this Act shall have effect as if the property transferred had been bequeathed by the will to the transferee.

144 Distribution etc. from property settled by will. U.K.

(1) [F3 Subsection (2) below applies] where property comprised in a person’s estate immediately before his death is settled by his will and, within the period of two years after his death and before any interest in possession has subsisted in the property, there occurs—

(a) an event on which tax would [F4 (apart from subsection (2) below)] be chargeable under any provision, other than section 64 or 79, of Chapter III of Part III of this Act, or

(b) an event on which tax would be so chargeable but for section 75 or 76 above or paragraph 16(1) of Schedule 4 to this Act.

[F5 (1A) Where the testator dies on or after 22nd March 2006, subsection (1) above shall have effect as if the reference to any interest in possession were a reference to any interest in possession that is—

(a) an immediate post-death interest, or

(b) a disabled person's interest.]

(2) Where [F6 this subsection] applies by virtue of an event within paragraph (a) of subsection (1) above, tax shall not be charged under the provision in question on that event; and in every case in which [F6 this subsection] applies in relation to an event, this Act shall have effect as if the will had provided that on the testator’s death the property should be held as it is held after the event.

[F7 (3) Subsection (4) below applies where—

(a) a person dies on or after 22nd March 2006,

(b) property comprised in the person's estate immediately before his death is settled by his will, and

(c) within the period of two years after his death, but before an immediate post-death interest or a disabled person's interest has subsisted in the property, there occurs an event that involves causing the property to be held on trusts that would, if they had in fact been established by the testator's will, have resulted in—

(i) an immediate post-death interest subsisting in the property, or

(ii) section 71A or 71D above applying to the property.

(4) Where this subsection applies by virtue of an event—

(a) this Act shall have effect as if the will had provided that on the testator's death the property should be held as it is held after the event, but

(b) tax shall not be charged on that event under any provision of Chapter 3 of Part 3 of this Act.

(5) Subsection (4) above also applies where—

(a) a person dies before 22nd March 2006,

(b) property comprised in the person's estate immediately before his death is settled by his will,

(c) an event occurs—

(i) on or after 22nd March 2006, and

(ii) within the period of two years after the testator's death,

that involves causing the property to be held on trusts within subsection (6) below,

(d) no immediate post-death interest, and no disabled person's interest, subsisted in the property at any time in the period beginning with the testator's death and ending immediately before the event, and

(e) no other interest in possession subsisted in the property at any time in the period beginning with the testator's death and ending immediately before 22nd March 2006.

(6) Trusts are within this subsection if they would, had they in fact been established by the testator's will and had the testator died at the time of the event mentioned in subsection (5)(c) above, have resulted in—

(a) an immediate post-death interest subsisting in the property, or

(b) section 71A or 71D above applying to the property.]

Textual Amendments

F3 Words in s. 144(1) substituted (22.3.2006) by Finance Act 2006 (c. 25), s. 156, Sch. 20 paras. 7, 27(2)(a)

F4 Words in s. 144(1)(a) substituted (22.3.2006) by Finance Act 2006 (c. 25), s. 156, Sch. 20 paras. 7, 27(2)(b)

F5 S. 144(1A) inserted (22.3.2006) by Finance Act 2006 (c. 25), s. 156, Sch. 20 paras. 7, 27(3)

F6 Words in s. 144(2) substituted (22.3.2006) by Finance Act 2006 (c. 25), s. 156, Sch. 20 paras. 7, 27(4)

F7 S. 144(3)-(6) inserted (22.3.2006) by Finance Act 2006 (c. 25), s. 156, Sch. 20 paras. 7, 27(5)

145 Redemption of surviving spouse’s [F8 or civil partner's] life interest. U.K.

Where an election is made by a surviving spouse [F9 or civil partner] under section 47A of the Administration of M2 Estates Act 1925, this Act shall have effect as if the surviving spouse [F9 or civil partner] , instead of being entitled to the life interest, had been entitled to a sum equal to the capital value mentioned in that section.

Textual Amendments

F8 Words in s. 145 sidenote inserted (5.12.2005) by virtue of The Tax and Civil Partnership Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/3229), regs. 1(1), 31(3)

F9 Words in s. 145 inserted (5.12.2005) by The Tax and Civil Partnership Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/3229), regs. 1(1), 31(2)

Marginal Citations

M2 1925 c. 23.

146 Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. U.K.

(1) Where an order is made under section 2 of the M3 Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 (“the 1975 Act”) in relation to any property forming part of the net estate of a deceased person, then, without prejudice to section 19(1) of that Act, the property shall for the purposes of this Act be treated as if it had on his death devolved subject to the provisions of the order.

(2) Where an order is made under section 10 of the 1975 Act requiring a person to provide any money or other property by reason of a disposition made by the deceased, then—

(a) if that disposition was a chargeable transfer and the personal representatives of the deceased make a claim for the purpose—

(i) tax paid or payable on the value transferred by that chargeable transfer (whether or not by the claimants) shall be repaid to them by the Board or, as the case may be, shall not be payable, and

(ii) the rate or rates of tax applicable to the transfer of value made by the deceased on his death shall be determined as if the values previously transferred by chargeable transfers made by him were reduced by that value;

(b) the money or property shall be included in the deceased’s estate for the purpose of the transfer of value made by him on his death.

(3) Where the money or other property ordered to be provided under section 10 of the 1975 Act is less than the maximum permitted by that section, subsection (2)(a) above shall have effect in relation to such part of the value there mentioned as is appropriate.

(4) The adjustment in consequence of the provisions of this section or of section 19(1) of the 1975 Act of the tax payable in respect of the transfer of value made by the deceased on his death shall not affect—

(a) the amount of any deduction to be made under section 8 of that Act in respect of tax borne by the person mentioned in subsection (3) of that section, or

(b) the amount of tax to which regard is to be had under section 9(2) of that Act;

and where a person is ordered under that Act to make a payment or transfer property by reason of his holding property treated as part of the deceased’s net estate under section 8 or 9 and tax borne by him is taken into account for the purposes of the order, any repayment of that tax shall be made to the personal representatives of the deceased and not to that person.

(5) Tax repaid under paragraph (a)(i) of subsection (2) above shall be included in the deceased’s estate for the purposes of the transfer of value made by him on his death; and tax repaid under that paragraph or under subsection (4) above shall form part of the deceased’s net estate for the purposes of the 1975 Act.

(6) Anything which is done in compliance with an order under the 1975 Act or occurs on the coming into force of such an order, and which would (apart from this subsection) consistitute an occasion on which tax is chargeable under any provision, other than section 79, of Chapter III of Part III of this Act, shall not constitute such an occasion; and where an order under the 1975 Act provides for property to be settled or for the variation of a settlement, and (apart from this subsection) tax would be charged under section 52(1) above on the coming into force of the order, section 52(1) shall not apply.

(7) In subsections (2)(a) and (5) above references to tax include references to interest on tax.

(8) Where an order is made staying or dismissing proceedings under the 1975 Act on terms set out in or scheduled to the order, this section shall have effect as if any of those terms which could have been included in an order under section 2 or 10 of that Act were provisions of such an order.

(9) In this section any reference to, or to any provision of, the 1975 Act includes a reference to, or to the corresponding provision of, the M4 Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) (Northern Ireland) Order 1979.

Marginal Citations

M3 1975 c. 63.

M4 S.I. 1979/924 (N.I. 8.).

147 Scotland; legitim. [F10 etc.] U.K.

(1) Where a testator dies leaving a surviving spouse [F11 or civil partner] and a person under the age of 18 entitled to claim legitim[F12 or rights under section 131 of the Civil Partnership Act 2004 (“section 131 rights”)], and provision is made in his will or other testamentary document for a disposition to his spouse [F11 or civil partner] which, if it could take effect, would leave insufficient property in the estate to satisfy the entitlement of that person in respect of legitim [F13 or to section 131 rights] , the following provisions of this section shall apply.

(2) Subject to subsections (3) and (4) below, tax shall be charged at the testator’s death as if the disposition to the spouse [F14 or civil partner] did not include any amount in respect of legitim [F15 or section 131 rights] , but if within the period mentioned in subsection (6) below the person or persons concerned renounce their claim to legitim [F15 or section 131 rights] , tax shall be repaid to the estate calculated on the basis that the disposition to the spouse [F14 or civil partner] did include the amount renounced.

(3) The executors or judicial factor of the testator may, in accordance with the provisions of this section, elect that subsection (2) above shall not apply but that subsection (4) below shall apply.

(4) Tax shall be charged at the testator’s death as if the disposition to the spouse [F16 or civil partner] had taken effect, but where the person or persons concerned claim legitim [F17 or section 131 rights] within the period mentioned in subsection (6) below, tax shall be charged on the amount so claimed calculated on the basis that the legitim fund had been paid out in full at the testator’s death (excluding any part of the fund renounced before any claim has been made) [F18 or on the basis that all section 131 rights had been claimed in full at the testator's death (excluding any rights renounced before any claim has been made)] and the tax chargeable thereon had been apportioned rateably among the persons entitled to claim legitim [F17 or section 131 rights](excluding any who have renounced as aforesaid).

(5) Where the executors or judicial factor of the testator decide to make an election under subsection (3) above they shall give notice in writing of that election to the Board within two years from the date of death of the testator or such longer period as the Board may permit.

(6) For the purposes of subsections (2) and (4) above, a person shall be treated as having claimed legitim [F19 or section 131 rights] unless he has renounced his claim before attaining the age of 18 or he renounces his claim within two years of his attaining that age or such longer period as the Board may permit.

(7) Where a person dies before attaining the age of 18 or before making a renunciation under subsection (6) above the provisions of this section shall apply in relation to that person’s executors or judicial factor as they would have applied in relation to that person if that person had attained the age of 18 with the substitution of the date of death of that person for the date on which a person attained that age; but where the executors or factor renounce a claim to legitim [F20 or section 131 rights] in respect of a person the amount renounced shall not be treated as part of that person’s estate.

(8) Where subsection (2) above applies in relation to any estate, then notwithstanding anything in section 241 below the Board may repay tax under that subsection without limit of time.

(9) Where subsection (4) above applies in relation to any estate, then notwithstanding anything in section 239 below a certificate of discharge may be given under that section in respect of the whole estate, and notwithstanding anything in section 240 below the giving of the certificate shall not preclude the Board from claiming tax under subsection (4) above without limit of time.

Textual Amendments

F10 Word in s. 147 sidenote inserted (5.12.2005) by virtue of The Tax and Civil Partnership Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/3229), regs. 1(1), 32(7)

F11 Words in s. 147(1) inserted (5.12.2005) by The Tax and Civil Partnership Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/3229), regs. 1(1), 32(2)(a)

F12 Words in s. 147(1) inserted (5.12.2005) by The Tax and Civil Partnership Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/3229), regs. 1(1), 32(2)(b)

F13 Words in s. 147(1) inserted (5.12.2005) by The Tax and Civil Partnership Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/3229), regs. 1(1), 32(2)(c)

F14 Words in s. 147(2) inserted (5.12.2005) by The Tax and Civil Partnership Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/3229), regs. 1(1), 32(3)(a)

F15 Words in s. 147(2) inserted (5.12.2005) by The Tax and Civil Partnership Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/3229), regs. 1(1), 32(3)(b)

F16 Words in s. 147(4) inserted (5.12.2005) by The Tax and Civil Partnership Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/3229), regs. 1(1), 32(4)(a)

F17 Words in s. 147(4) inserted (5.12.2005) by The Tax and Civil Partnership Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/3229), regs. 1(1), 32(4)(b)

F18 Words in s. 147(4) inserted (5.12.2005) by The Tax and Civil Partnership Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/3229), regs. 1(1), 32(4)(c)

F19 Words in s. 147(6) inserted (5.12.2005) by The Tax and Civil Partnership Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/3229), regs. 1(1), 32(5)

F20 Words in s. 147(7) inserted (5.12.2005) by The Tax and Civil Partnership Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/3229), regs. 1(1), 32(6)

Mutual and voidable transfers U.K.

148, 149. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F21 U.K.

Textual Amendments

F21 Finance Act 1986 s. 101(3), Sch. 19, para. 25, and Sch. 23, Part X,repealed ss.148and 149 (exemption for mutual transfers)where the donee's transfer is made on or after 18March 1986.

150 Voidable transfers. U.K.

(1) Where on a claim made for the purpose it is shown that the whole or any part of a chargeable transfer (“the relevant transfer”) has by virtue of any enactment or rule of law been set aside as voidable or otherwise defeasible—

(a) tax paid or payable by the claimant (in respect of the relevant transfer or any other chargeable transfer made before the claim) that would not have been payable if the relevant transfer had been void ab initio shall be repaid to him by the Board, or as the case may be shall not be payable, and

(b) the rate or rates of tax applicable to any chargeable transfer made after the claim by the person who made the relevant transfer shall be determined as if that transfer or that part of it had been void as aforesaid.

(2) In subsection (1)(a) above the reference to tax includes a reference to interest on tax.

Pension schemes, etc U.K.

151 Treatment of pension rights, etc. U.K.

(1) F22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(1A) F22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2) [F23 Subject to sections 151A and 151C below,] an interest in or under a [F24 registered pension scheme [F25 , a qualifying non-UK pension scheme or a section] 615(3) scheme] which comes to an end on the death of the person entitled to it shall be left out of account in determining for the purposes of this Act the value of his estate immediately before his death, if the interest—

(a) is, or is a right to, a pension or annuity, and

(b) is not an interest resulting (whether by virtue of the instrument establishing the [F26 scheme] or otherwise) from the application of any benefit provided under the [F26 scheme] otherwise than by way of a pension or annuity.

(3) Sections 49 to 53 above shall not apply in relation to an interest satisfying the conditions of paragraphs (a) and (b) of subsection (2) above.

(4) In relation to an interest in or under a [F24 registered pension scheme [F25 , a qualifying non-UK pension scheme or a section] 615(3) scheme], section 5(2) above shall apply as if the words “other than settled property” were omitted (in both places).

(5) Where a benefit has become payable under a [F24 registered pension scheme [F25 , a qualifying non-UK pension scheme or a section] 615(3) scheme], and the benefit becomes comprised in a settlement made by a person other than the person entitled to the benefit, the settlement shall for the purposes of this Act be treated as made by the person so entitled.

Textual Amendments

F22 S. 151(1)(1A) repealed (6.4.2006) by Finance Act 2004 (c. 12), ss. 203(4)(a), 284, 326, Sch. 42 Pt. 3 (with Sch. 36)

F23 Words in s. 151(2) inserted (6.4.2006) by Finance Act 2006 (c. 25), s. 160, Sch. 22 para. 3

F24 Words in s. 151(2)(4)(5) substituted (6.4.2006) by Finance Act 2004 (c. 12), ss. 203(4)(b), 284 (with Sch. 36)

F25 Words in s. 151(2)(4)(5) substituted (retrospective to 6.4.2006) by Finance Act 2008 (c. 9), s. 92, Sch. 29 para. 18(4)(8)

F26 Word in s. 151(2)(b) substituted (6.4.2006) by Finance Act 2004 (c. 12), ss. 203(4)(c), 284 (with Sch. 36)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 S. 151 applied (6.4.2006) by The Pension Protection Fund (Tax) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/575), reg. 34

151A Person dying with alternatively secured pension fund U.K.

(1) This section applies where a member of a registered pension scheme has an alternatively secured pension fund in respect of an arrangement under the pension scheme immediately before his death.

(2) In determining for the purposes of this Act the value of his estate immediately before his death he shall be treated as if he had been beneficially entitled to property with a value equal to the relevant amount.

(3) The relevant amount is—

(a) the aggregate of the amount of the sums and the value of the assets forming part of the member's alternatively secured pension fund immediately before his death, less

(b) the aggregate of the amount of the sums and the value of the assets expended on dependants' benefits within the period of six months beginning with the end of the month in which his death occurs.

(4) For this purpose sums or assets are expended on dependants' benefits at any time if they (or sums or assets directly or indirectly deriving from them) are at that time—

(a) applied towards the provision of a dependants' scheme pension for a relevant dependant,

(b) applied towards the provision of a dependants' annuity for a relevant dependant,

(c) designated as available for the payment of dependants' unsecured pension to a relevant dependant, or

(d) designated as available for the payment of dependants' alternatively secured pension to a relevant dependant,

or if the sums (or sums directly or indirectly deriving from the sums or assets) are at that time paid as a charity lump sum death benefit.

(5) In this section—

• “alternatively secured pension fund” has the same meaning as in Part 4 of the Finance Act 2004 (see paragraph 11 of Schedule 28 to that Act);

• “charity lump sum death benefit” has the meaning given by paragraph 18 of Schedule 29 to that Act;

• “dependants' alternatively secured pension” has the meaning given by paragraph 19 of Schedule 28 to that Act;

• “dependants' annuity” has the same meaning as in Part 4 of that Act (see paragraph 17 of that Schedule);

• “dependants' scheme pension” has the same meaning as in that Part of that Act (see paragraph 16 of that Schedule);

• “dependants' unsecured pension” has the meaning given by paragraph 18 of that Schedule; and

• “relevant dependant”, in relation to a member of a registered pension scheme who dies, means a dependant (within the meaning of paragraph 15 of that Schedule) who—

  (a)

  is the person's spouse or civil partner immediately before his death; or

  (b)

  is financially dependent on the person at that time.

151B Relevant dependant with pension fund inherited from member over 75 U.K.

(1) This section applies where—

(a) a relevant dependant of a person who, immediately before his death, was a member of a registered pension scheme has a dependant's unsecured pension fund, or a dependant's alternatively secured pension fund, in respect of an arrangement under the pension scheme immediately before his death or immediately before ceasing to be a relevant dependant of the member,

(b) the member had reached the age of 75 at the time of his death and had an alternatively secured pension fund in respect of an arrangement under the pension scheme immediately before his death, and

(c) sums or assets forming part of that fund were designated as available for the payment of dependants' unsecured pension, or dependants' alternatively secured pension, to the relevant dependant within the period of six months beginning with the end of the month in which the member's death occurs.

(2) Where this section applies tax shall be charged under this section.

(3) The amount on which tax is charged under this section shall be the aggregate of the amount of the sums and the value of the assets forming part of the dependant's unsecured pension fund, or the dependant's alternatively secured pension fund, in respect of the arrangement immediately before the relevant dependant died or ceased to be a relevant dependant of the member.

(4) But where tax is chargeable under this section by reason of the death of the relevant dependant, that amount is reduced by so much of sums forming part of the dependant's unsecured pension fund, or the dependant's alternatively secured pension fund, (or sums directly or indirectly deriving from sums or assets forming part of that fund) as are paid to a charity within the period of six months beginning with the end of the month in which his death occurs.

(5) Tax charged under this section shall be charged at the rate or rates at which it would have been charged on the death of the member if—

(a) the amount mentioned in subsection (3) above (as reduced under subsection (4) above) had been included in the value transferred by the chargeable transfer made on his death, and

(b) the amount on which the tax is charged had formed the highest part of that value.

(6) In this section—

• “alternatively secured pension fund” has the same meaning as in Part 4 of the Finance Act 2004 (see paragraph 11 of Schedule 28 to that Act);

• “dependants' alternatively secured pension” has the meaning given by paragraph 19 of that Schedule;

• “dependant's alternatively secured pension fund” has the same meaning as in that Part of that Act (see paragraph 25 of that Schedule);

• “dependants' unsecured pension” has the meaning given by paragraph 18 of that Schedule;

• “dependant's unsecured pension fund” has the same meaning as in that Part of that Act (see paragraph 22 of that Schedule); and

• “relevant dependant”, in relation to a member of a registered pension scheme who dies, means a dependant (within the meaning of paragraph 15 of that Schedule) who—

  (a)

  is the person's spouse or civil partner immediately before his death; or

  (b)

  is financially dependent on the person at that time.

[F27 151BA Rate or rates of charge under section 151B U.K.

(1) Tax charged under section 151B above shall be charged at the rate or rates at which it would be charged on the death of the member if the amount mentioned in subsection (3) of that section (as reduced under subsection (4) of that section) (“the taxable amount”) had been included in the aggregate mentioned in section 151A(3)(a) above (but subject as follows).

(2) The rate or rates at which tax is charged on the taxable amount shall be determined as if the taxable amount had formed the very highest part of the value of the member's estate immediately before the member's death (above any amount which is part of that value apart from this section).

(3) The rate or rates at which tax is charged on the taxable amount shall be determined on the assumptions that—

(a) subsection (3)(b) of section 151A above were omitted, and

(b) the references in subsections (4A) and (5) of that section to the time when tax is charged on the transfer treated as made by the member on death were to the time when tax is charged under this section.

(4) Subsection (5) below applies where, before the time when the dependant dies or ceases to be a relevant dependant, there have been one or more reductions of tax by virtue of the coming into force of a substitution of a new Table in Schedule 1 to this Act since the member's death.

(5) The rate or rates at which tax is charged under section 151B above is to be determined as if the new Table effecting the reduction of tax (or the most recent reduction of tax) had been in force at the time of the member's death.]

151C Dependant dying with other pension fund U.K.

(1) This section applies where—

(a) a dependant of a member of a registered pension scheme has a dependant's alternatively secured pension fund in respect of an arrangement under the pension scheme immediately before his death, and

(b) section 151B above does not apply.

(2) In determining for the purposes of this Act the value of the dependant's estate immediately before his death he shall be treated as if he had been beneficially entitled to property with a value equal to the relevant amount.

(3) The relevant amount is—

(a) the aggregate of the amount of the sums and the value of the assets forming part of the dependant's alternatively secured pension fund immediately before his death, less

(b) so much of sums forming part of the dependant's alternatively secured pension fund (or sums directly or indirectly deriving from sums or assets forming part of that fund) as are paid as a charity lump sum death benefit within the period of six months beginning with the end of the month in which his death occurs.

(4) In this section—

• “charity lump sum death benefit” has the meaning given by paragraph 18 of Schedule 29 to the Finance Act 2004;

• “dependant” has the meaning given by paragraph 15 of that Schedule 28 to that Act; and

• “dependant's alternatively secured pension fund” has the same meaning as in Part 4 of that Act (see paragraph 25 of Schedule 28 to that Act).

Valid from 21/07/2008

[F28 151D Unauthorised payment where person dies over 75 with pension or annuity U.K.

(1) This section applies where—

(a) a member of a registered pension scheme, or a dependant of such a member, dies after reaching the age of 75;

(b) immediately before death the member or dependant has under the pension scheme an actual right to payments under a relevant pension or relevant annuity or a prospective right to payments under a relevant pension; and

(c) at any time after the death a relevant unauthorised payment is made by the pension scheme.

(2) Where this section applies tax shall be charged under this section.

(3) The amount on which tax is charged under this section shall be the difference between—

(a) the amount of the relevant unauthorised payment; and

(b) the amount of any liability to income tax which has arisen under Part 4 of the Finance Act 2004 by virtue of the making of the relevant unauthorised payment.

(4) In this section—

• “dependant” has the meaning given by paragraph 15 of Schedule 28 to the Finance Act 2004;

• “dependants' annuity” has the same meaning as in that Part of that Act (see paragraph 17 of that Schedule);

• “dependants' scheme pension” has the same meaning as in that Part of that Act (see paragraph 16 of that Schedule);

• “lifetime annuity” has the same meaning as in that Part of that Act (see paragraph 3 of that Schedule);

• “relevant annuity” means a lifetime annuity or dependants' annuity purchased by the application of sums or assets held for the purposes of the pension scheme;

• “relevant pension” means a scheme pension or dependants' scheme pension provided by the scheme administrator or as a result of the application of sums or assets held for the purposes of the pension scheme;

• “relevant unauthorised payment” means an unauthorised payment (within the meaning of Part 4 of the Finance Act 2004: see section 160(5) of that Act) which—

  (a)

  consists of the payment of a lump sum in respect of the dead member or dependant; or

  (b)

  is treated as made by virtue of the operation of section 172B of that Act by reason of the death; and

• “scheme pension” has the same meaning as in Part 4 of that Act (see paragraph 2 of Schedule 28 to that Act).]

Textual Amendments

F28 Ss. 151D, 151E inserted (with effect as mentioned in Sch. 28 para. 15(3) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2008 (c. 9), s. 91, Sch. 28 para. 10

Valid from 21/07/2008

[F28 151E Rate or rates of charge under section 151D U.K.

(1) Tax charged under section 151D above shall be charged at the rate or rates at which it would be charged if the amount on which it is charged, and any amount on which tax was previously charged under that section in relation to the death of the member or dependant, were part of the value transferred by the transfer of value made on the death of the member or dependant.

(2) The rate or rates at which tax is charged on that amount shall be determined as if that amount had formed the highest part of that value.

(3) Subsection (4) below applies where, before the time when the unauthorised payment is made, there have been one or more reductions of tax by virtue of the coming into force of a substitution of a new Table in Schedule 1 to this Act since the death of the member or dependant.

(4) The rate or rates at which tax is charged under section 151D above is to be determined as if the new Table effecting the reduction of tax (or the most recent reduction of tax) (“the applicable Table”) had been in force at the time of the death of the member or dependant, but subject to subsections (5) and (8) below.

(5) The nil-rate band maximum in the applicable Table is to be treated for the purposes of this section as reduced by the used-up percentage of the difference between—

(a) that nil-rate band maximum, and

(b) the nil-rate band maximum which was actually in force at the time of the death of the member or dependant.

(6) For the purposes of subsection (5) above “the used-up percentage” is—

where—

E is the amount by which M is greater than VT under section 8A(2) above in the case of the member or dependant; and

NRBM is the nil-rate band maximum at the time of the death of the member or dependant.

(7) The following provisions apply where—

(a) tax is charged under section 151D above, and

(b) immediately before the death of the member or dependant, the member or dependant had a spouse or civil partner (“the survivor”).

(8) If the survivor died before the time when the unauthorised payment is made, tax is charged as if the personal nil-rate band maximum of the member or dependant were appropriately reduced.

(9) In subsection (8) above—

• “the personal nil-rate band maximum of the member or dependant” is the nil rate band maximum in the applicable Table, increased in accordance with section 8A above where that section effected an increase in that nil-rate band maximum in the case of the member or dependant (as a survivor of another deceased person), and

• “appropriately reduced” means reduced by the amount (if any) by which the amount on which tax was charged at the rate of nil per cent. on the death of the survivor was increased by reason of the operation of section 8A above by virtue of the position of the member or dependant.

(10) If the survivor did not die before the time when the unauthorised payment is made, tax is to be charged on the death of the survivor as if the percentage referred to in section 8A(3) above in the case of the member or dependant were that specified in subsection (11) below.

(11) That percentage is—

where—

AE is the adjusted excess, that is the amount by which M would be greater than VT under section 8A(2) above in the case of the member or dependant if—

• (a) the amount on which tax is charged under section 151D above were included in the value transferred by the chargeable value made on the death of the member or dependant, and

• (b) the nil-rate band maximum at the time of the death were ANRBM; and

ANRBM is the adjusted nil-rate band maximum, that is the nil-rate band maximum in the applicable Table (as reduced under subsection (5) above where that subsection applies).]

Textual Amendments

F28 Ss. 151D, 151E inserted (with effect as mentioned in Sch. 28 para. 15(3) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2008 (c. 9), s. 91, Sch. 28 para. 10

152 Cash options. U.K.

[F29 Where on a person’s death an annuity becomes payable under a registered pension scheme [F30 , a qualifying non-UK pension scheme or a section] 615(3) scheme to a widow, widower or dependant of that person and under the terms of the scheme] a sum of money might at his option have become payable instead to his personal representatives, he shall not, by virtue of section 5(2) above, be treated as having been beneficially entitled to that sum.

Textual Amendments

F29 Words in s. 152 substituted (6.4.2006) by Finance Act 2004 (c. 12), ss. 203(5), 284 (with Sch. 36)

F30 Words in s. 152 substituted (retrospective to 6.4.2006) by Finance Act 2008 (c. 9), s. 92, Sch. 29 para. 18(5)(8)

153 Overseas pensions. U.K.

(1) In determining for the purposes of this Act the value of a person’s estate immediately before his death there shall be left out of account any pension payable under the regulations or rules relating to any fund vested in Commissioners under section 273 of the M5 Government of India Act 1935 or to any fund administered under a scheme made under section 2 of the M6 Overseas Pensions Act 1973 which is certified by the Secretary of State for the purpose of this section to correspond to an Order in Council under subsection (1) of the said section 273.

(2) For the purposes of this Act—

(a) a pension paid under the authority of a scheme made under section 2 of the Overseas Pensions Act 1973 which is constituted by the M7 Pensions (India, Pakistan and Burma) Act 1955 or is certified by the Secretary of State for the purposes of this section to correspond to the said Act of 1955 shall be treated as if it had been paid by the Government of India or the Government of Pakistan (according as the arrangements in pursuance of which the pension was first paid under the said Act of 1955 were made with the one or the other Government);

(b) a pension paid out of any fund established in the United Kingdom by the Government of any country which, at the time when the fund was established, was, or formed part of, a colony, protectorate, protected state or United Kingdom trust territory shall, if the fund was established for the sole purpose of providing pensions, whether contributory or not, payable in respect of service under the Government be treated as if it had been paid by the Government by which the fund was established;

(c) a pension paid out of the Central African Pension Fund established by section 24 of the M8 Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland (Dissolution) Order in Council 1963 shall be treated as if it had been paid by the Government of a territory outside the United Kingdom; and

(d) so much of any pension paid to or in respect of any person under—

(i) the scheme which by virtue of subsection (3) of section 2 of the Overseas Pensions Act 1973 is constituted under that section by section 2 or subsection (2) of section 4 of the M9 Overseas Service Act 1958, or

(ii) such other scheme made under section 2 of the Overseas Pensions Act 1973 as is certified by the Secretary of State for the purposes of the Taxes Act to correspond to section 2 or subsection (2) of section 4 of the Overseas Service Act 1958,

as is certified by the Secretary of State to be attributable to service under the Government of an overseas territory shall be treated as if it had been paid by the Government of that territory.

(3) Subsection (1) above shall be construed as if contained in section 273 of the M10 Government of India Act 1935; and for the purposes of subsection (2) above—

(a) “pension” includes a gratuity and any sum payable on or in respect of death, and a return of contributions with or without interest thereon or any other addition thereto;

(b) “United Kingdom trust territory” means a territory administered by the Government of the United Kingdom under the trusteeship system of the United Nations;

(c) “overseas territory” means any country or territory outside the United Kingdom;

(d) references to the Government of any such country or territory as is mentioned in paragraph (b) or (d) of that subsection include a Government constituted for two or more such countries or territories and any authority established for the purpose of providing or administering services which are common to, or relate to matters of common interest to, two or more such countries or territories.

(4) If, by reason of Her Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom having assumed responsibility for a pension, allowance or gratuity within the meaning of section 1 of the M11 Overseas Pensions Act 1973, payments in respect of it are made under that section, this section shall apply in relation to the pension, allowance or gratuity, exclusive of so much (if any) of it as is paid by virtue of the application to it of any provisions of the M12 Pensions (Increase) Act 1971 or any enactment repealed by that Act, as if it continued to be paid by the Government or other body or fund which had responsibility for it before that responsibility was assumed by Her Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom.

Marginal Citations

M5 1935 c. 2.

M6 1973 c. 21.

M7 1955 c. 22.

M8 S.I. 1963/2085.

M9 1958 c. 14.

M10 1935 c. 2.

M11 1973 c. 21.

M12 1971 c. 56.

Armed forces U.K.

154 Death on active service, etc. U.K.

(1) Section 4 above shall not apply in relation to the death of a person in whose case it is certified by the Defence Council or the Secretary of State—

(a) that he died from a wound inflicted, accident occurring or disease contracted at a time when the conditions specified in subsection (2) below were satisfied, or

(b) that he died from a disease contracted at some previous time, the death being due to or hastened by the aggravation of the disease during a period when those conditions were satisfied.

(2) The conditions referred to in subsection (1) above are that the deceased was a member of any of the armed forces of the Crown or (not being a member of any of those forces) was subject to the law governing any of those forces by reason of association with or accompanying any body of those forces and (in any case) was either—

(a) on active service against an enemy, or

(b) on other service of a warlike nature or which in the opinion of the Treasury involved the same risks as service of a warlike nature.

(3) In relation to any time before 28th July 1981 (the date of the passing of the M13 Armed Forces Act 1981), the reference in subsection (2) above to membership of the armed forces of the Crown shall include a reference to employment as a person of any of the descriptions specified in paragraph 1(3) of Schedule 7 to the M14 Finance Act 1975 (women’s services).

Marginal Citations

M13 1981 c. 55.

M14 1975 c. 7.

155 Visiting forces, etc. U.K.

(1) Section 6(4) above applies to—

(a) the emoluments paid by the Government of any designated country to a member of a visiting force of that country, not being a British citizen, a British Dependent Territories citizen, [F31 a British National (Overseas)] or a British Overseas citizen, and

(b) any tangible movable property the presence of which in the United Kingdom is due solely to the presence in the United Kingdom of such a person while serving as a member of the force.

(2) A period during which any such member of a visiting force as is referred to in subsection (1) above is in the United Kingdom by reason solely of his being such a member shall not be treated for the purposes of this Act as a period of residence in the United Kingdom or as creating a change of his residence or domicile.

(3) References in subsections (1) and (2) above to a visiting force shall apply to a civilian component of a visiting force as they apply to the force itself, and those subsections shall be construed as one with Part I of the M15 Visiting Forces Act 1952, but so that for the purposes of this section references to a designated country shall be substituted in that Act for references to a country to which a provision of that Act applies.

(4) For the purpose of conferring on persons attached to any designated allied headquarters the like benefits as are conferred by subsections (1) and (2) above on members of a visiting force or civilian component, any members of the armed forces of a designated country shall, while attached to any such headquarters, be deemed to constitute a visiting force of that country, and there shall be a corresponding extension of the class of persons who may be treated as members of a civilian component of such a visiting force.

(5) In the case of persons of any category for the time being agreed between Her Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom and the other members of the North Atlantic Council, employment by a designated allied headquarters shall be treated for the purposes of subsections (1)(b) and (2) above as if it were service as a member of a visiting force of a designated country.

(6) For the purposes of this section—

• “allied headquarters” means any international military headquarters established under the North Atlantic Council;

• “designated” means designated for the purpose in question by or under any Order in Council made for giving effect to any international agreement.

(7) Any Order in Council made under section 73 of the M16 Finance Act 1960 which is in force immediately before the passing of this Act shall have effect for the purposes of this section as if it had also been made under this section, and may be varied or revoked accordingly.

Textual Amendments

F31 Hong Kong (British National) Order 1986, S.I. 1986/948 (not reproduced)with effect from 1July 1986.

Marginal Citations

M15 1952 c. 67.

M16 1960 c.44

Apsley House and Chevening Estate U.K.

156 Apsley House and Chevening Estate. U.K.

This Act shall not apply in respect of—

(a) the rights conferred by section 3 of the M17 Wellington Museum Act 1947, or

(b) property held on the trusts of the trust instrument set out in the Schedule to the M18 Chevening Estate Act 1959.

Marginal Citations

M17 1947 c.46

M18 1959 c.49

Non-residents’ bank accounts U.K.

157 Non-residents’ bank accounts. U.K.

(1) In determining for the purposes of this Act the value of the estate immediately before his death of a person to whom this section applies there shall be left out of account the balance on—

(a) any qualifying foreign currency account of his, and

(b) subject to subsection (3) below, any qualifying foreign currency account of the trustees of settled property in which he is beneficially entitled to an interest in possession.

(2) This section applies to a person who is not domiciled in the United Kingdom immediately before his death, and is neither resident nor ordinarily resident at that time.

(3) Subsection (1)(b) above does not apply in relation to settled property if the settlor was domiciled in the United Kingdom when he made the settlement, or if the trustees are domiciled, resident or ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom immediately before the beneficiary’s death.

(4) For the purposes of this section—

(a) the question whether a person is resident or ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom shall, subject to paragraph (b) below, be determined as for the purposes of income tax; but

(b) the trustees of a settlement shall be regarded as not resident or ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom unless the general administration of the settlement is ordinarily carried on in the United Kingdom and the trustees or a majority of them (and, where there is more than one class of trustees, a majority of each class) are resident and ordinarily resident there.

(5) In this section “qualifying foreign currency account” means a foreign currency account with [F32 a bank F33 . . .]; and for this purpose—

(a) “foreign currency account” means any account other than one denominated in sterling, F34 . . .

F34 (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F35 (6) In this section “bank” has the meaning given by section 840A of the Taxes Act 1988.]

Textual Amendments

F32 Words in s. 157(5) substituted (29.4.1996 with effect in relation to deaths occurring on or after 29.4.1996) by 1996 c. 8, s. 198, Sch. 37 para. 12(1)(3)

F33 Words in s. 157(5) repealed (26.3.2001) by S.I. 2001/1149, art. 3(2), Sch. 2 (with art. 4(4))

F34 S. 157(5)(b) and the preceding “and” repealed (29.4.1996 with effect as mentioned in Sch. 37 of the amending Act) by 1996 c. 8, s. 205, Sch. 41 Pt. VIII(2), note

F35 S. 157(6) inserted (29.4.1996 with effect in relation to deaths occurring on or after 29.4.1996) by 1996 c. 8, s. 198, Sch. 37 para. 12(2)(3)

Double taxation relief U.K.

158 Double taxation conventions. U.K.

(1) If Her Majesty by Order in Council declares—

(a) that arrangements specified in the Order have been made with the government of any territory outside the United Kingdom with a view to affording relief from double taxation in relation to [F36 inheritance tax] payable under the laws of the United Kingdom and any tax imposed under the laws of that territory which is of a similar character or is chargeable on or by reference to death or gifts inter vivos, and

(b) that it is expedient that those arrangements should have effect;

the arrangements shall, notwithstanding anything in this Act, have effect so far as they provide for relief from [F37 inheritance tax], or for determining the place where any property is to be treated as situated for the purposes of the tax.

[F38 (1ZA) For the purposes of this section, arrangements made with a view to affording relief from double taxation include any arrangements which modify the effect of arrangements so made.

(1ZB) Arrangements to which effect is given under this section may include provision conferring (with or without other functions) functions relating to the determination of matters arising under the arrangements on a public authority in the United Kingdom or in a territory outside the United Kingdom.]

(1A) F39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2) Any arrangements to which effect is given under this section may include provision for relief in cases occurring before the making of the arrangements and provisions as to property which is not itself subject to double taxation.

(3) Any Order in Council under this section which revokes an earlier Order may contain such transitional provisions as appear to Her Majesty to be necessary or expedient.

(4) An Order under this section shall not be submitted to Her Majesty in Council unless a draft of it has been laid before, and approved by resolution of, the House of Commons.

(5) Where any arrangements have effect by virtue of this section, no obligation as to secrecy shall prevent the Board or an authorised officer of the Board from disclosing to any authorised officer of the government with which the arrangements are made such information as is required to be disclosed under the arrangements.

(6) Where arrangements with the government of any territory outside the United Kingdom are specified under any Order in Council which—

(a) was made, or has effect as made, under section 54 of the M19 Finance (No.2) Act 1945 or section 2 of the M20 Finance Act (Northern Ireland) 1946, and

(b) had effect immediately before the passing of this Act,

the Order shall notwithstanding the repeal of that section by the M21 Finance Act 1975, remain in force and have effect as if any provision made by those arrangements in relation to estate duty extended to [F40 inheritance tax] chargeable by virtue of section 4 above; but the Order may be amended or revoked by an Order in Council made under this section.

Textual Amendments

F36 See Finance Act 1986 s. 100(1) and (2)— for any liability to tax arising on and after 25 July 1986 any reference in the legislation to capital transfer tax has effect as a reference to inheritance tax.

F37 See Finance Act 1986 s. 100(1) and (2)— for any liability to tax arising on and after 25 July 1986 any reference in the legislation to capital transfer tax has effect as a reference to inheritance tax.

F38 S. 158(1ZA)(1ZB) inserted (retrospectively and with application in accordance with s. 32(6)) by Finance Act 2018 (c. 3), s. 32(3)(4)

F39 S. 158(1A) repealed (19.7.2006) by Finance Act 2006 (c. 25), s. 187, Sch. 26 Pt. 8(2)

F40 See Finance Act 1986 s. 100(1) and (2)— for any liability to tax arising on and after 25July 1986 any reference in the legislation to capital transfer tax has effect as a reference to inheritance tax.

Marginal Citations

M19 1945 c.13.

M20 1946 c.1 (N.I.).

M21 1975 c.7.

159 Unilateral relief. U.K.

(1) Where the Board are satisfied that in any territory outside the United Kingdom (an “overseas territory”) any amount of tax imposed by reason of any disposition or other event is attributable to the value of any property, then, if—

(a) that tax is of a character similar to that of [F41 inheritance tax] or is chargeable on or by reference to death or gifts inter vivos, and

(b) any [F41 inheritance tax] chargeable by reference to the same disposition or other event is also attributable to the value of that property,

they shall allow a credit in respect of that amount (“the overseas tax”) against that [F41 inheritance tax] in accordance with the following provisions.

(2) Where the property is situated in the overseas territory and not in the United Kingdom, the credit shall be of an amount equal to the overseas tax.

(3) Where the property—

(a) is situated neither in the United Kingdom nor in the overseas territory, or

(b) is situated both in the United Kingdom and in the overseas territory,

the credit shall be of an amount calculated in accordance with the following formula—

• where A is the amount of the [F41 inheritance tax], B is the overseas tax and C is whichever of A and B is the smaller.

(4) Where tax is imposed in two or more overseas territories in respect of property which—

(a) is situated neither in the United Kingdom nor in any of those territories, or

(b) is situated both in the United Kingdom and in each of those territories,

subsection (3) above shall apply as if, in the formula there set out, B were the aggregate of the overseas tax imposed in each of those territories and C were the aggregate of all, except the largest, of A and the overseas tax imposed in each of them.

(5) Where credit is allowed under subsection (2) above or section 158 above in respect of overseas tax imposed in one overseas territory, any credit under subsection (3) above in respect of overseas tax imposed in another shall be calculated as if the [F42 inheritance tax] were reduced by the credit allowed under subsection (2) or section 158; and where, in the case of any overseas territory mentioned in subsection (3) or (4) above, credit is allowed against the overseas tax for tax charged in a territory in which the property is situated, the overseas tax shall be treated for the purposes of those provisions as reduced by the credit.

(6) In this section references to tax imposed in an overseas territory are references to tax chargeable under the law of that territory and paid by the person liable to pay it.

(7) Where relief can be given both under this section and under section 158 above, relief shall be given under whichever section provides the greater relief.

Textual Amendments

F41 See Finance Act 1986 s. 100(1)and (2)—for any liability to tax arising on and after 25July 1986any reference in the legislation to capital transfer tax has effect as a reference to inheritance tax.

F42 See Finance Act 1986 s. 100(1)and (2)—for any liability to tax arising on and after 25July 1986any reference in the legislation to capital transfer tax has effect as a reference to inheritance tax.