Trust and Estate Return SA900 needed?

sleepymans

My OH is sole executor of an estate with Feb 2014 DOD.

The estate consists of a few thousand in a bank account and a property which was initially valued for probate at around £450k.
Probate was granted in June 2014 with no IHT is due as the deceased's spouse's nil rate band has now been applied and the estate is below the IHT threshold.

The property had an offer of £435k however after 2 months the sale fell through, and has now sold to another buyer for £420k.

After costs and a cuple of small legacies the balance of the estate is being paid 50/50 to 2 relatives.

Could anyone advise me if SA900 returns are required for either last tax year or this tax year? As there has been no "income" as such either from interest or income from the property asset and the house did not increase in value between the DOD and its sale, is a return required? Maybe return(s) should be submitted just for confirmation by HMRC that there is no tax liability?

Thanks for any advice.
(p.s. I have tried to phone HMRC to enquire but just get left on hold for ages and ages, not even sure of the correct number to call, self assessment or trusts or inheritance and probate. The website just sends me round in circles too:( )

xylophone

Try deceased estate helpline as early as possible in the morning?

O300 123 1072

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs/contact/bereavement-and-deceased-estate

jimmo

We all (individuals, executors, trustees etc.) have the same responsibilities taxwise.
1)If we are liable to tax we are required to notify HMRC that we are liable.
Section 7 Taxes Management Act 1870
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1970/9/section/7/enacted
2) If HMRC issue a Return (or Notice to file) we are required to complete the Return.
As long as you are certain that no taxable income has arisen there is no need to even contact HMRC but if you do its rather likely that they will issue Returns and then you will have to complete them.
It is probably better to let sleeping dogs lie.