Sending original Will to HMRC 24 January at 5:05PM in Deaths, Funerals & Probate 16 replies 791 views

Bfh

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!

Goodcitizen1

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

Thank you so much. I’ll do this. Was nervous about sending the original anywhere other than the probate office!

DancingBadger

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

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

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

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

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

Try the post office - cheap and efficient.

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

Thrugelmir

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

Brie said:

Try the post office - cheap and efficient.

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

Thanks so much; that’s really helpful