What is the UK inheritance tax threshold for 2026/27?

The standard nil-rate band is £325,000 per person. A residence nil-rate band (RNRB) of up to £175,000 can apply if you leave a qualifying residence to direct descendants. Unused allowances can be transferred between spouses and civil partners, meaning a married couple may pass up to £1 million tax-free in many cases.

What rate is UK inheritance tax charged at?

Inheritance tax is charged at 40% on the portion of an estate above the available nil-rate bands. A reduced 36% rate can apply where at least 10% of the net estate is left to charity.

Are pensions included in my estate for IHT?

Most UK pensions are currently outside the estate for inheritance tax. From 6 April 2027, HMRC intends to bring most unused pension funds and death benefits into the IHT estate. If you have substantial pension wealth, this is a material change worth reviewing before the rule takes effect.

How do gifts affect inheritance tax?

Gifts made more than seven years before death are generally outside the estate. Gifts within three years attract the full 40% rate; between three and seven years a taper relief can reduce the tax. An annual exemption of £3,000 per donor also applies, along with smaller gift exemptions and gifts out of surplus income.

Can I get independent inheritance tax advice?

Yes. John Anthony Sykes is an FCA-regulated independent financial adviser covering Southport, Formby, Birkdale, Lytham St Annes and the wider North West. A free 20-minute introductory call is available to discuss your estate and options.

Inheritance Tax Calculator · 2026/27 Tax Year

UK inheritance tax calculator

A quick estimate of the inheritance tax your estate could face, using the 2026/27 allowances - and a look at what changes from April 2027 when most pensions come into the IHT net.

Estimate your IHT liability

All figures are an estimate only. Gifts, trusts, business property relief and other reliefs can affect the final liability - independent advice is recommended before making decisions.

Main residence value (£) Value of the home you plan to leave to direct descendants (children or grandchildren).

Other estate assets (£) Savings, investments (ISAs, GIA), second properties, vehicles, personal possessions.

Pension value (£) Most pensions are currently outside your estate. From 6 April 2027, HMRC plans to bring most unused pension funds into IHT.

Debts and funeral costs (£) Outstanding mortgage, loans, credit-card debts, estimated funeral costs.

Lifetime gifts in last 7 years (£) Gifts made in the seven years before death can still count towards the estate (with taper relief).

Use transferable nil-rate band (second spouse/civil partner death)

Leaving main home to children/grandchildren (RNRB applies)

Use April 2027 rules (include pension in estate)

At least 10% of net estate left to charity (36% rate)

Estimated inheritance tax

£0

This calculator is for illustration only. It does not account for business relief, agricultural relief, trust arrangements, taper relief on specific gifts, or the detail of RNRB taper where estates exceed £2m. For tailored inheritance tax advice in Southport, Formby, Birkdale, Lytham St Annes or the wider North West, book a free 20-minute call.

Book a free 20-minute call

How UK inheritance tax works

The allowances in plain English

Nil-rate band: £325,000

Every individual has a £325,000 IHT allowance. Anything above this is potentially taxable at 40%. Unused nil-rate band transfers to a surviving spouse or civil partner, giving a combined allowance of up to £650,000.

Residence nil-rate band (RNRB): up to £175,000

An additional allowance applies where you leave a qualifying residence to direct descendants. Combined with the transferable RNRB, a married couple can potentially pass up to £1 million free of IHT. The RNRB tapers away once an estate exceeds £2 million.

Pensions & April 2027

Most pension pots currently sit outside the IHT estate. HMRC intends to bring most unused pension funds and death benefits into the estate from 6 April 2027. If you have substantial pension wealth, this is a material change. See Pension IHT 2027 for detail.

Gifts & the seven-year rule

Gifts more than seven years before death generally fall outside the estate. Gifts within three years attract the full 40% rate; between three and seven years, taper relief can reduce the tax due. An annual exemption of £3,000, small-gift exemptions and gifts out of surplus income are also available.

Charity rate

Leaving at least 10% of the net estate to charity reduces the IHT rate on the remainder from 40% to 36%.

Talk it through with an independent adviser

A calculator gets you an estimate - a conversation gets you a plan. The first 20 minutes is free.

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