Cut the paperwork: HMRC simplifies inheritance tax returns
Fewer forms when there's no tax to pay: most estates will soon be able to skip the inheritance tax return entirely.
If you're dealing with an estate or acting as a trustee, you may know the frustration of filling in inheritance tax forms even when the estate owes nothing. That is about to get a lot simpler.
The government has announced new measures to simplify inheritance tax reporting where no tax is due. The practical upshot is that trustees and individuals will no longer have to submit unnecessary paperwork to HMRC.
Why does this matter? At the moment, many estates have to complete tax forms as a matter of course, even when the total falls well below the nil-rate band (£325,000 in 2026) and no inheritance tax is actually owed. It is time-consuming busywork that adds stress to an already difficult period.
The change is significant: under the new rules, only around 15% of estates will need to complete any form of inheritance tax return. That means roughly 85% of estates could skip the forms entirely.
It is still worth getting professional advice to confirm whether reporting obligations apply to your particular situation. But for many families, this streamlining will save real time and hassle when settling an estate.
Based on reporting by Robinsons London (19 July 2026). Information only, not advice.
Information only. This is general information, not financial, tax or legal advice, and not a personal recommendation. Tax rules depend on your individual circumstances and can change. Please speak to a qualified, FCA-regulated adviser or a solicitor before acting.