IHT417 – Foreign assets

The IHT417 form is used when the deceased had a permanent home in the UK when they died but had assets outside the UK.

Completing an IHT417 form can be a daunting task for many individuals who have been appointed as an executor or administrator of an estate. This form is required to calculate the inheritance tax that is due on an estate and must be completed accurately to avoid any penalties or legal issues. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to complete an IHT417 form.

Step 1: Gather All Relevant Information

Before beginning to fill out the IHT417 form, it is important to gather all relevant information about the deceased’s estate. This includes details about their assets, liabilities, and any gifts or transfers made within the last seven years. The following information will be required to complete the form:

  • Details about the deceased, including their name, address, and date of birth.
  • Information about the deceased’s assets, including their property, bank accounts, investments, and any other valuables such as artwork or jewellery.
  • Information about any debts or liabilities that the deceased had, such as outstanding mortgage payments, loans, or credit card debt.
  • Details about any gifts or transfers made by the deceased within the last seven years, including the date, recipient, and value of the gift or transfer.

Step 2: Understand the IHT417 Form

The IHT417 form is a document that is used to calculate the inheritance tax that is due on an estate. It is divided into several sections, each of which is designed to collect specific information about the estate. Before filling out the form, it is important to understand what each section is asking for and how to fill it out correctly.

Step 3: Complete Section 1 of the IHT417 Form

Section 1 of the IHT417 form collects information about the deceased and their estate. It asks for the following information:

  • The deceased’s name, address, and date of birth.
  • The date of the deceased’s death.
  • The name and address of the executor or administrator of the estate.
  • Whether the deceased was domiciled in the UK at the time of their death.
  • Whether the deceased had any foreign assets or liabilities.

Once you have gathered all of this information, you can complete Section 1 of the IHT417 form. Make sure to fill out all of the required fields accurately and double-check your work before moving on to the next section.

Step 4: Complete Section 2 of the IHT417 Form

Section 2 of the IHT417 form collects information about the deceased’s assets. It asks for the following information:

  • The value of the deceased’s estate, including all assets and liabilities.
  • The value of any jointly owned assets.
  • The value of any assets held in trust.
  • The value of any foreign assets.
  • The value of any gifts made by the deceased within the last seven years.

To complete Section 2 of the IHT417 form, you will need to gather all of the information about the deceased’s assets, liabilities, and gifts. Make sure to include all relevant information and double-check your work before moving on to the next section.

Step 5: Complete Section 3 of the IHT417 Form

Section 3 of the IHT417 form collects information about the deceased’s liabilities. It asks for the following information:

  • The value of any outstanding mortgages on the deceased’s property.
  • The value of any loans or other debts owed by the deceased.
  • The value of any credit card debt or other unpaid bills.

To complete Section 3 of the IHT417 form, you will need to gather all of the information about the deceased’s liabilities. Make sure to include all relevant information and double-check your work before moving on to the next section.

Step 6: Complete Section 4 of the IHT417 Form

Section 4 of the IHT417 form collects information about any gifts or transfers made by the deceased within the last seven years. It asks for the following information:

  • The date of each gift or transfer.
  • The recipient of each gift or transfer.
  • The value of each gift or transfer.

To complete Section 4 of the IHT417 form, you will need to gather all of the information about any gifts or transfers made by the deceased within the last seven years. This can include gifts made to family members, friends, or charities. Make sure to include all relevant information and double-check your work before moving on to the next section.

Step 7: Complete Section 5 of the IHT417 Form

Section 5 of the IHT417 form is used to calculate the inheritance tax that is due on the estate. It asks for the following information:

  • The value of the deceased’s estate.
  • The value of any lifetime gifts made by the deceased.
  • The value of any exempt transfers.
  • The value of any charitable donations made by the deceased.
  • The inheritance tax threshold that applies to the estate.
  • The rate of inheritance tax that applies to the estate.
  • Any inheritance tax that has already been paid.

To complete Section 5 of the IHT417 form, you will need to use the information that you have gathered in the previous sections to calculate the amount of inheritance tax that is due on the estate. This can be a complex calculation, so it is important to double-check your work and seek professional advice if necessary.

Step 8: Sign and Submit the IHT417 Form

Once you have completed all of the sections of the IHT417 form, you will need to sign and submit it to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). You should keep a copy of the completed form for your own records.

It is important to note that the deadline for submitting the IHT417 form is six months after the end of the month in which the deceased passed away. If you fail to submit the form on time, you may be subject to penalties and interest charges.

Completing an IHT417 form can be a complex and time-consuming process, but it is an important step in administering an estate and ensuring that the correct amount of inheritance tax is paid. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that you complete the form accurately and on time, avoiding any legal issues or penalties. If you are unsure about any aspect of the process, it is always a good idea to seek professional advice from a solicitor or accountant.

Are you looking for help to complete the IHT400 form? Give DIY Probate a call on 0116 2795044, and we’ll be happy to help.