IHT 400 - Negative IHT due?!

4 Posts

Hi
I am/was coming to the end of the lovely IHT form (why some boxes auto calculate and others don't - ahhh!), but box 118 contains a large negative number. This makes sense to me as IHT is not due, but on other parts of the form it states if x is minus then write 0. 118 does not say this. I called and the guy was not the most helpful telling me he couldn't tell me what numbers to put in - I only asked if a negative number was possible and what to do about it.
I downloaded the IHT400 calculation form (it does not apply to us, but to see how it coped) and entered the Residence Nil Rate Band, Zero Rate Band, and Value Chargeable and it says 0 - what I expected. It even has a note saying if the value was minus to write zero.
So should I take out my negative value in 118 and write 0? I would include page 1 of the IHT400 calculation form which shows that as backup.
David
I am/was coming to the end of the lovely IHT form (why some boxes auto calculate and others don't - ahhh!), but box 118 contains a large negative number. This makes sense to me as IHT is not due, but on other parts of the form it states if x is minus then write 0. 118 does not say this. I called and the guy was not the most helpful telling me he couldn't tell me what numbers to put in - I only asked if a negative number was possible and what to do about it.
I downloaded the IHT400 calculation form (it does not apply to us, but to see how it coped) and entered the Residence Nil Rate Band, Zero Rate Band, and Value Chargeable and it says 0 - what I expected. It even has a note saying if the value was minus to write zero.
So should I take out my negative value in 118 and write 0? I would include page 1 of the IHT400 calculation form which shows that as backup.
David
1
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Within IHT400 there seems no way around this, so, apart from that tiny minus sign, it appears the estate owes tax. There is no subsequent box to clarify this.
However, like the OP, by ignoring boxes 111 to 119 and using the extra form "IHT400 Calculation" (suggested before Box 111 as an alternative way to calculate things) the figure of zero is readily obtained.
HMRC suggest using that "IHT400 Calculation" form if the 'simple calculation' (their words) provided by IHT400 is insufficient. But in practice IHT400 Calculation's calculation is much simpler than IHT400's calculation. As it gives the Zero answer.
HMRC really do seem to specialise in designing forms unfit for purpose.
Btw the suggestions above to use IHT205 btw are now outdated. 205 is no longer in use, unless for deaths before 31st Dec 2021.
But that form "IHT400 Calculation" is more sensible and says to enter zero in that case. The second form should, however, not be necessary if the first form was designed right.
I've now spoken to HMRC IHT helpline and they confirmed that, in these circs, you should ignore the instruction, at Box 119 of multiplying the negative figure by 40% and entering a negative tax liability. Instead you should 'use your common sense' (the HMRC's man words on the phone) and enter zero, despite the clear instruction, at Box 119 to do otherwise.
So that's what we're doing, ignoring the Box 119 instruction, entering zero and, by doing this, not having to even bother with form "IHT400 calculation".
I do wish HMRC would use some common sense on their forms...