Probate and IHT421 form

Bfh

I had confirmation 8 weeks ago that my application for probate had been received (4 weeks after I sent it) and that I could expect the process to take up to 8 weeks.
First instalment of inheritance tax was paid in March.
Today I had an email from Probate registry saying that they haven’t received the stamped IHT421 from HMRC, and asking me  to confirm how much tax is outstanding.
I got the email to late to catch anyone on the phone but I’m really worried that HMRC haven’t confirmed payment.
Is it possible they won’t send the IHT421 until all the tax is paid - in 10 years time? 😱 😱 
just wondering if anyone has experienced similar.

Mrs_Z

A probate application for a simple estate (no inheritance tax due) was submitted on 14/3, acknowledged on 28/4 when they also asked if IHT400 had been completed (which it had). I have now received another email from the Probate office asking if it has been sent as they can’t locate IHT421 from the HMRC. I can’t chase the HMRC myself as they don’t deal with the members of public. 

Will try to get to speak to the Probate people next week when I’m back in the country. I get the impression that they just sent semi automatic emails, the case gets another 8 weeks but nobody is reading the customers replies to their emails or dealing with them. Terrible service.
Would be really good if we could get someone from the Probate service on this forum - like the Land Registry Rep on the house
sales forum.

Bfh

Thanks Mrs_Z, at least I know I’m not the only one it’s happened to, though that’s small consolation for either of us!
I’ve just called the probate office and told them that payment of tax was made in March. The reply was that they’d email the tax office to ask them to send the form 421 across. Not quite sure why they couldn’t do that to begin with!
I asked if it meant another 8 week wait and was told no it wouldn’t be that long, but I don’t feel very reassured.
it’s just a lot of additional stress at a time when people often really don’t need it.