New probate fees

castle96

"Inheritance tax was discharged and paperwork submitted to HMRC on the 19th February. They take at least 3 weeks to issue a receipt (maybe longer as they are probably busy at the moment) and only then we can apply for Probate. We still have over 3 weeks before the fees are set to go up (if they do). I will let you know once we’ve applied"

this from solicitors letter. Fees ARE set to go up aren't they ? (from 1/4 ?). Seems unfair to have new fees applied because HMRC delays (3 weeks !)

Dox

You might want to post this here instead of under pensions: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.php?f=217

Surely you can apply for probate if you've reported the value of the estate, although probate won't actually be granted until the receipt for IHT comes through?

VLR_2

what I want to know is can I claim the probate fees back as expenses of the estate? some say yes, but the govt site says no.
Also, how do I actually post a question?

Spreadsheetman

VLR wrote: »

what I want to know is can I claim the probate fees back as expenses of the estate? some say yes, but the govt site says no.
Also, how do I actually post a question?

Not for IHT purposes, but yes as an expense before distribution of the balance to beneficiaries.

Thrugelmir

castle96 wrote: »

. They take at least 3 weeks to issue a receipt (maybe longer as they are probably busy at the moment) and only then we can apply for Probate.

Always worth giving them a telephone call. I found them most helpful in resolving issues when winding up my late mothers estate. They actioned all requests there and then.

AndreWebb

Martin Lewis seemed to imply on the TV this week that you could apply for probate even before someone has died. Is this correct? The Gov.UK site says you need a death certificate and an estate valuation.

Spreadsheetman

AndreWebb wrote: »

Martin Lewis seemed to imply on the TV this week that you could apply for probate even before someone has died. Is this correct? The Gov.UK site says you need a death certificate and an estate valuation.

No. Having just done Probate for my late Father, a death cert and the IHT return is required.

LHW99

Looks like the fees increase is delayed anyway
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2019/03/probate-fees-hike-postponed/

VLR_2

Thanks for your reply. Do you happen to know what form is used to claim back the probate expense? VLR:)

Spreadsheetman

VLR wrote: »

Thanks for your reply. Do you happen to know what form is used to claim back the probate expense? VLR:)

No form. If you paid out the probate expenses you just pay yourself back.

If there are other beneficiaries to the estate then you should produce probate accounts showing the detail. This is a good explanation of the whole process: https://www.bereavementadvice.org/globalassets/pdfs/bac/step_by_step_guide_to_probate_amends_v1.pdf

ggmf

Might be worth having a listen to last weeks moneybox podcast:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0003r4c

"The costs of winding up someone's affairs after they die"