Can I cut a property inheritance tax bill once probate has begun?

My family were forward thinking and took as many steps as we could to reduce the inheritance tax bill before my parents passed away. 

We are now faced with the confusing probate process and want to know if there is anything else we can do to limit our tax burden?

MailOnline Property expert Myra Butterworth replies: While measures may have been taken while your parents were still alive to minimise their inheritance tax bill, such as passing on wealth so that it eventually becomes exempt using the seven-year rule, there are still ways to potentially shave thousands off a tax bill during the probate process. 

These approaches use accepted discounts offered by HMRC. We spoke to an expert, who highlighted seven ways to reduce you tax bill once the probate process has begun.

We take a look at how it is possible to lower the declared value on the assets, especially on property

Nick Green, of The CoreProp Group, replies: It is well documented how to reduce or even avoid inheritance tax before a loved one passes, and people should be doing as much as possible to prepare for this.

However, sadly, there is not as much advice once your loved one has passed. During the confusing and often distressing probate process, there are huge savings to be made.

The amount of inheritance tax paid depends on the value of the deceased’s estate, which is worked out based on their assets (i.e sum of property, cash, shares, contents etc) minus any debts. The figure is then taxed at 40 per cent after any allowances.

You can, however, lower the declared value on the assets, especially on the property, which is typically the most valuable part of any estate.

At such an emotive time it is easy to overlook HMRC’s small print when assessing an estate’s value.

HMRC strongly advise executors or administrators to instruct a qualified independent valuer to assess the value of the property for probate.

The professional valuation report – known as an ‘RICS Red Book’ report – should incorporate answers to all the following critical questions, which could help lower the tax bill:

1) What date are you valuing the property at?

The valuation of the property for probate is fixed as at the date of passing, this is important to remember. Market fluctuations (such as the rising energy costs, Covid 19 lockdowns etc) severely affect the property market and often lead to dramatic movement and loss of confidence. For example, the property market was estimated to drop around 20 per cent in April 2020 during the most uncertain Covid periods. The value of the property at the date of death may be much lower than the current market value or any estate agent’s appraisal.

2) Is the property tenanted?

If the property is occupied by typical Assured Shorthold Tenants, typically on a term of one year or less, HMRC usually accepts a discount of 5 per cent on the full value of the property.

If the tenant is under a commercial lease or has a longer fixed term tenancy, the deductions can be greater than 5 per cent. Many estates miss out on this easy concession.

3) Any major defects or missing safety certificates?

If at the date of death, the property was suffering from defects such as subsidence or severe damp, even if these faults have now been fixed, these matters should be considered when assessing the value.

And properties in blocks of flats may not have their EWS1 (External Wall Safety) forms, which declares their cladding fire safe.

All these major issues can mean it is not possible to get a mortgage on the property and so the value to be declared should be much lower.

4) Was the property co-owned at the date of passing?

Section 18 of the IHT Manual permits a further 15 per cent deduction of the deceased’s share of the property, if at the valuation date, any co-owner remained in occupation of the property as their main residence.

If the co-owner(s) did not occupy the property as their main residence, the discount can still be up to 10 per cent.

5) Is the property owned by a company?

Again, a discount on the deceased’s share should be applied, up to a level of 20 per cent depending on whether the deceased owned minority shares or majority shares.

6) Are there any neighbourly issues?

For example, a neighbour’s planning application can have an adverse effect on the value of a property.

In addition, there may be some macro changes in the location, such as schools closing down, or high streets changing. All these factors could detract from the desirability of the property.

7) Is the property in a block of flats?

Often the Freeholder or managing agent will be in the process of preparing to do major works to the common areas of the block including the exterior fabric, and an additional large invoice will be sent to the leaseholders.

Often if such works are underway or about to be instructed, these potential added expenses should be considered when valuing the property for probate.