We're aware that some users are experiencing technical issues which the team are working to resolve. See the Community Noticeboard for more info. Thank you for your patience.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!

Sending original Will to HMRC

Options
Hi. I’m sorry if this is a silly question but I’m starting the inheritance tax and probate process for a deceased relative and it’s making my head hurt!
Am I right in thinking that I don’t send the probate application off until HMRC have issued a demand for the tax due?
Also, I note that I need to send the original Will with the IHT forms AND with the probate application.
Can anyone tell me if the Will is returned after it’s sent with the IHT forms?
Sorry, I’ve just spent most of the day researching all of this and I’m very nervous about doing it wrong!
«1

Comments

  • I was on the phone to HMRC today and was advised to send them a COPY of the Will only. You have to send the Original to the Probate office. They will not return it, so make sure that you have a copy and you may want to get a certified copy for yourself, although there is debate in another thread about whether this is necessary.
  • Bfh
    Bfh Posts: 82 Forumite
    Second Anniversary 10 Posts
    Thank you so much. I’ll do this. Was nervous about sending the original anywhere other than the probate office!
  • If you don't already have a copy of the will, take great care not to damage it when making a copy, and never remove any staples.  
    https://allanjanes.com/-The-Importance-of-a-Staple
  • Flugelhorn
    Flugelhorn Posts: 7,290 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    I got a certified copy of the will.... just in case and then travelled to the probate office to deliver it by hand (but that was when life was actually normal)
  • Bfh
    Bfh Posts: 82 Forumite
    Second Anniversary 10 Posts
    Thanks - very useful advice about not removing staples and whilst I may not travel to the probate office, I’ll definitely send it recorded delivery.
    currently waiting for the solicitor that’s holding the Will  to send it to us; they don’t seem to be in any rush; they received the request 10 days ago! 😬
  • thegreenone
    thegreenone Posts: 1,187 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    The Will is probably held in a secure storage facility and the solicitor may only order a run once a week, for a number of documents.
  • Bfh
    Bfh Posts: 82 Forumite
    Second Anniversary 10 Posts
    Sorry - another question!
    I’ve now got the original Will. I can’t find a solicitor who will agree to certify a copy. Fair enough, it’s probably not worth their while if they’re not getting paid for handling the probate process.
    Has anyone sent an uncertified copy of the Will to HMRC and was this accepted?
    I don’t want to ring them and ask in case I’m told on the phone that it must be certified whereas in practice if they were sent a photocopy then they may just accept it.
    Thanks in advance:)
  • Brie
    Brie Posts: 14,574 Ambassador
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    Try the post office - cheap and efficient.

    https://www.postoffice.co.uk/identity/document-certification

    I’m a Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on Debt Free Wannabe, Old Style Money Saving and Pensions boards.  If you need any help on these boards, do let me know. Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any posts you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button, or by emailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com. All views are my own and not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.

    Click on this link for a Statement of Accounts that can be posted on the DebtFree Wannabe board:  https://lemonfool.co.uk/financecalculators/soa.php

    Check your state pension on: Check your State Pension forecast - GOV.UK

    "Never retract, never explain, never apologise; get things done and let them howl.”  Nellie McClung
    ⭐️🏅😇
  • Thrugelmir
    Thrugelmir Posts: 89,546 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Bfh said:
     I can’t find a solicitor who will agree to certify a copy. Fair enough, it’s probably not worth their while if they’re not getting paid for handling the probate process.

    Be many solicitors now working from home now. Far fewer staff in the office. 
  • Bfh
    Bfh Posts: 82 Forumite
    Second Anniversary 10 Posts
    Brie said:
    Try the post office - cheap and efficient.

    https://www.postoffice.co.uk/identity/document-certification

    Thanks so much; that’s really helpful :)
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 350.8K Banking & Borrowing
  • 253K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 453.5K Spending & Discounts
  • 243.8K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 598.6K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 176.8K Life & Family
  • 257K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.6K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.