Urgent call from Society for input to IHT review

An urgent appeal to solicitors with an interest in inheritance tax has gone out from the Law Society of Scotland, to help with submissions to the Office of Tax Simplification (OTS).

The Society’s policy subcommittees are responding to the OTS review of IHT and are seeking members' views and experiences.

Introduced in 1986, IHT has been subject to regular changes since its introduction, including in relation to domicile, nil rate bands and main residences. Such changes have been piecemeal in nature and many consider that this has resulted in complex legislation. While IHT is currently paid by fewer than 5% of estates, a much greater number of estates will involve some degree of interaction with HMRC on IHT matters.

The review is considering the ease or complexity of the existing law and the administrative processes that have to be followed in relation to IHT. It consists of a call for evidence and also an online survey aimed at gathering data about individuals’ experiences and perceptions of IHT.

The Society welcomes comments on IHT in the context of:

• IHT forms, administration and guidance (it would be particularly useful to have input on this);
• lifetime gifts to individuals;
• businesses / farming businesses;
• charitable giving;
• other areas of complexity and the wider IHT system, including any particular to Scotland.

Comments should be emailed to policy@lawscot.org.uk by 9am on Tuesday 29 May 2018. The short deadline is in turn driven by the OTS deadline.