Families set to pay millions in unnecessary tax
There’s a fundamental lack of awareness and understanding around Inheritance Tax, especially when it comes to how Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) are treated after death. Given that some people have been able to amass over a million pounds in their ISAs, it’s an area where lack of knowledge could prove costly.
Over half (51%) of over-45s do not know that ISAs are liable for Inheritance Tax, leaving families across the UK set to pay millions in unnecessary taxes according to findings from an annual Inheritance Tax monitor survey[1].
Gifted to a partner
On death, as ISAs can only be gifted to a spouse or civil partner and not children without incurring tax, the Government will ultimately be a major beneficiary of money currently residing in Cash ISAs and Stocks & Shares ISAs. In the last Budget, HM Treasury predicted it would raise £5.3 billion in the 2017/18 tax year in Inheritance Tax, which will eventually increase to £6.5 billion by 2022 to 2023.
The research also revealed over three quarters (77%) think the UK’s Inheritance Tax rules are too complicated. Yet despite this, only a third (33%) have sought professional financial advice on Inheritance Tax planning. Of those who did seek advice, over two fifths (42%) spoke to a professional financial adviser.
Rules regarding inheritance
Some people could inherit less than they expected because they aren’t aware or make assumptions about the rules regarding inheritance. In particular, the rules governing the gifting of ISAs and valuable estates mean that many may be faced with a higher than expected Inheritance Tax bill.
ISAs remain the ‘go to’ financial product for many people as they look to build up a nest egg in a tax-efficient way during their lifetime. But with such a large number of older people investing into them, there is a worrying lack of awareness that ISAs are subject to a 40% Inheritance Tax charge. ISAs are a great tax-efficient investment in your lifetime, but more people need to be thinking about how to pass on their hard-earned money to their loved ones when they die.
Source data:
[1] Survey of 1,001 UK consumers aged 45 or over with total assets exceeding the individual Inheritance Tax threshold (nil-rate band) of £325,000. Carried out in October 2017.
