Probate error of about £10k. How much trouble am I likley to be in, please?

jamessp

Hello,

I made a daft error in am probate application, which I only spotted the day I got the probate certificate back granted. It's a small will, with no property, and no inheritance tax. Essentially, I broke a formula on the spreadsheet used and missed a row, and while it should have been obvious, I didn't see it.

I gave Gross: £55k, Net £49K
The actual figures were £65K, Net £59K
The exact same difference between the figures.

I emailed them the same day explaining and apologising, and haven't yet head back. Reading online it feels like no inheritance tax issues means this may be dealt with more lightly, but I'd like a little more confidence. Am I likely to be in trouble in terms of fines or anything, please?

Thanks
James

AP3

I doubt they'd care, unless it affected the tax due, and there's isn't any.

Keep_pedalling

Do not worry about it, you are not in trouble and there is no need to take corrective action.

WindfallWendy

I admire the diligence and feel for you. I um'd and ah'd over so many figures when I was filling in forms for my Dad's estate. As others have said, it doesn't make a difference to the outcome so they don't need to know.

jamessp

Thank you all. I took the telling them right away approach more for my own wellbeing than anything else. It's been a difficult time (three family deaths in a year, two within three weeks) and I didn't want to have it hanging around as a background nagging worry for ages.

It's reassuring that it's not likely to have any impact. Thank you :)

jamessp

As it happens, I heard back from them about 45 minutes after posting that, essentially saying the same. Popping it here for anyone else searching.

"The good news is that you can continue to use the Grant. The figures are only ever an estimate as values inevitably change and sometimes you might not be aware of all the assets. You should contact HMRC if you have concerns whether inheritance tax is due, but this won't affect your ability to use the Grant, and if any asset holder disputes this they can call us to validate the Grant."

A weight has been lifted, from you comments and this - thank you :)

Sooz1966

@jamessp

That's a really human, helpful response from HMRC isn't it? Good to know.