Inheritance tax rules explained as Britons can gift 'any amount' tax-free

Temie Laleye
Wed, 08 Apr 2026 18:53:00 +0000

Millions of people across Britain could transfer substantial wealth to their loved ones without facing any inheritance tax liability, even as significant pension rule changes loom on the horizon.

Financial experts are urging families to examine their circumstances carefully, as many may be unaware of straightforward methods available to minimise potential tax obligations.

Helen Morrissey, head of retirement analysis at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: "It's important not to panic - the number of estates liable for inheritance tax has grown, and will continue to grow, but they will remain in the minority so do check if it will be an issue for your family."

From April 2027, any unspent defined contribution pension savings will be counted as part of an individual's estate when calculating inheritance tax.

This regulatory shift has generated considerable attention among savers and financial planners alike.

Ms Morrissey noted: "As of this week, the clock is ticking down towards unused defined contribution pensions becoming part of your estate for inheritance tax purposes."

However, she emphasised that the overwhelming majority of Britons need not be concerned about this change, as estates subject to inheritance tax will continue to represent a minority of cases.

Inheritance tax becomes payable when an estate exceeds £325,000 in value upon death, a threshold known as the nil rate band.

Those passing their family home to direct descendants such as children or grandchildren can access an additional £175,000 allowance called the residence nil rate band.

A single parent leaving their property to their child could therefore transfer up to £500,000 before any tax becomes due.

Married couples and civil partners benefit from even more generous provisions, as they can pass unlimited assets to one another completely free of inheritance tax.

Surviving spouses can also inherit their partner's unused nil rate bands, potentially enabling them to pass on up to £1 million without triggering a tax bill.

A particularly valuable strategy involves gifting from surplus income, which allows individuals to give away unlimited amounts that immediately fall outside their estate for tax purposes.

Ms Morrissey said: "You can give away any amount, and it comes out of your estate for IHT purposes immediately. However, there are rules.

"The gift needs to come from income, not capital. It needs to be made on a regular basis, and it must not affect your standard of living. Examples of this could include paying school fees for a grandchild or contributing to a Junior ISA."

Cohabiting couples face a stark disadvantage compared to their married counterparts when it comes to inheritance tax planning.

Unlike spouses, unmarried partners cannot inherit assets of any value tax-free, nor can they benefit from their partner's unused nil rate bands.

Ms Morrissey warned that this disparity "can come as a nasty shock at an already difficult time."

She advised cohabiting couples to plan ahead and ensure critical documentation remains current, including wills and expression of wish forms for pensions.

Taking these steps can help prevent unexpected financial burdens during bereavement.

Beyond surplus income gifting, several other allowances exist to reduce estate values.

Potentially Exempt Transfers permit individuals to give any sum to loved ones, with the gift falling outside the estate after seven years have passed.

Each person also has a £3,000 annual allowance for immediate tax-free gifts, plus the ability to give £250 to unlimited recipients who have not received other allowances.

Wedding gifts attract separate allowances: £5,000 for children, £2,500 for grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and £1,000 for others, provided the marriage proceeds.

Charitable donations and gifts to political parties are entirely exempt from inheritance tax.

Meticulous record-keeping of all gifts, including recipients and dates, proves essential for helping loved ones demonstrate what has been given if questions arise later.

Ms Morrissey recommended seeking guidance from a financial adviser to ensure compliance with the rules.

Those considering giving away property must take particular care, as continuing to live in a gifted home rent-free could constitute a "gift with reservation" that leaves the estate liable for tax.

Crucially, individuals should prioritise their own financial security before making substantial gifts.

Ms Morrissey cautioned: "None of us know how long we are going to live and you don't want to be in a position where you are running out of money because you've given too much away."