Do we need to send the IHT400 to HMRC if no tax appears to be due?

TailDragger

We've recently completed the IHT400 - the "simple Calculator" and the separate IHT400 Calculator both indicate zero tax to pay (NBR and RNBR allowances are more than the estate value). The death occurred this year, the deceased only ever lived in the UK, there's no foreign assets involved or any other unusual aspects to consider. So, do we need to send in the IHT400 now or at all. Or do we go straight to apply for Probate and send it with this or perhaps not send it all? 
Anyone any recent experience of this that can advise?
Thanks in advance
T 

kuratowski

You need to check whether the estate is an "excepted estate".

How to value an estate for Inheritance Tax and report its value: Check if you need to send full details of the estate - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

If it's an excepted estate, you do not need to file an IHT400.  As a rough guide, claiming NRB (and possibly NRB transferred from a spouse who died earlier) does not require an IHT400.  However, if you need to claim RNRB then you do need to file IHT400, and its schedules.

poppystar

If you are claiming RNRB you will need to complete IHT forms as I understand it, regardless of whether any tax will be due. 

TailDragger

Thanks for the responses - makes sense so all paperwork now done and ready to send in