Losing someone close is difficult. But on top of grieving, there are legal issues to deal with. One of those legal requirements is the IHT205.

What Is An IHT205 Form?

An IHT205 is a form that must be sent to the probate registry when there is no inheritance tax to pay on an estate.

There’s no Inheritance Tax to pay if the estate is worth less than £325,000 for an individual, or below £1,000,000 if the estate was left to a spouse, civil partner, or charity.

This rule applies if the person passed away after 6th April 2011 and had been a permanent resident of either England, Wales, or Northern Ireland.

Why Do I Need To Fill One Out?

Before you can get a Grant of Probate, you have to prove that there is no inheritance tax payable. The IHT205 form does this. If the assets are worth over the threshold, you’ll need an IHT400 form instead. For more information on IHT205 and IHT400, see our in-depth article.

What Is Included in the Form?

The IHT205 form can be filled in on-line, or you can download a copy and complete it by hand.  In the form you’ll answer questions on the deceased, the estate and its assets. You can also declare important information not covered by the form and list any debts that need to be paid out of the estate.

Where Do I Send An IHT205 Form?

Once you’ve completed the form, submit on-line or print and send it to your local probate registry. Your local registry office is found in our  link here.  You can get help from a solicitor, an accountant or a probate specialist if you’re unsure or struggling with filling out the form.

What Do I Do Next?

After sending off your paperwork you need to swear an oath. This promises that everything you filled on the form is correct. You can do this at the local probate registry,  or with a solicitor in the office of a commissioner for oaths.

Once you’ve sworn your oath, you should receive your Grant Of Representation in the post. Times vary, it can take as little as 10 days, as long as everything is correct.