Tax Rates 2004   Tax Rates 2004 Graphic
About This Guide Income Tax Capital Gains Tax Corporation Tax Main Capital Allowances Value Added Tax Inheritance Tax Vehicle Benefits Mileage Allowance National Insurance Contributions Key Dates And Deadlines Pension Premiums Profit Related Pay Charitable Giving Savings and Investments Some Useful Rates Stamp Taxes
Inheritance Tax

Transfers on or Within Seven Years Before Death
  2004/05 2003/04
Nil rate band to £263,000 £255,000
Rate of tax on balance 40% 40%
Chargeable lifetime transfers 20% 20%

All lifetime transfers not covered by exemptions and made within seven years of death will be added back into the estate for the purpose of calculating the tax payable. This may then be reduced by taper relief.

Charge on Gifts Within 7 Years of Death
Years before death 0-3 3-4 4-5 5-6 6-7
Tax reduced by 0% 20% 40% 60% 80%


Main Reliefs
Business property:
- business or interest therein 100%
- qualifying shareholders in unquoted* companies 100%
- land, buildings, machinery, or plant used by transferor's controlled company or partnership 50%
Agricultural property 50% or 100%
*Unquoted companies include those listed on AIM

Main Exemptions

  1. Transfers to UK domiciled spouse - exempt.
  2. Transfers to non UK domiciled spouse - £55,000.
  3. Annual exemption - per donor - £3,000.
  4. Small gifts per donee - £250 p.a.
  5. Gifts in consideration of marriage to bride and/or groom of: up to £5,000 by a parent, up to £2,500 by a grandparent, or up to £1,000 by any other person.
  6. Normal gifts out of income - no limit.
  7. Gifts to charities - exempt