Inheritance Tax Calculator UK — Free 2026
Estimate the inheritance tax (IHT) liability on a UK estate. Includes nil-rate band, residence nil-rate band, spouse transfer, and the April 2026 APR/BPR reforms.
How It Works
- Enter your estate value
- Enter reliefs and allowances
- View your IHT estimate
Understanding UK Inheritance Tax
Inheritance Tax (IHT) is charged on the estate of someone who has died. It applies to the value of property, possessions, money, and investments above certain thresholds. IHT is one of the UK's most complex taxes, with multiple reliefs, exemptions, and allowances that can significantly reduce or eliminate the bill.
Nil-Rate Band and Residence Nil-Rate Band
The nil-rate band (NRB) is £325,000 — the amount you can pass on tax-free. This has been frozen since 2009 and will remain at £325,000 until at least 2030. The residence nil-rate band (RNRB) adds £175,000 when a main home is left to direct descendants (children, grandchildren, stepchildren). Together, a single person can pass on up to £500,000 tax-free.
Married couples and civil partners can transfer unused NRB and RNRB to the surviving spouse, meaning a couple can potentially pass on up to £1,000,000 before any IHT is due.
April 2026 IHT Reforms — APR and BPR Changes
The biggest IHT change in a generation takes effect from 6 April 2026. Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) are being reformed:
- Combined £1 million cap at 100% relief — property qualifying for APR or BPR up to a combined £1 million per person still receives 100% relief (i.e., exempt from IHT)
- 50% relief above £1 million — qualifying property above £1 million receives only 50% relief, meaning the effective IHT rate is 20% on the excess
- AIM shares — previously qualified for 100% BPR, now only receive 50% relief regardless of value
This reform particularly affects farming families and family business owners whose estates exceed £1 million in qualifying assets.
Charity Reduction
If at least 10% of the net estate (after deducting liabilities, exemptions, and nil-rate bands) is left to charity, the IHT rate reduces from 40% to 36%. This can actually increase the amount received by non-charity beneficiaries in some cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
The nil-rate band (NRB) is £325,000. Married couples and civil partners can transfer unused NRB to the surviving spouse, giving a combined allowance of up to £650,000. The residence nil-rate band (RNRB) adds £175,000 per person when passing a main residence to direct descendants, for a maximum total of £1,000,000 for a couple.
IHT is charged at 40% on the value of an estate above the available nil-rate bands. If you leave at least 10% of your net estate to charity, the rate is reduced to 36%.
From April 2026, Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) are capped at a combined £1 million at 100% relief per person. Property above £1 million receives only 50% relief. AIM-listed shares now only qualify for 50% relief regardless of value.
The RNRB provides an additional £175,000 allowance when a main residence is passed to direct descendants (children, grandchildren). It tapers by £1 for every £2 the estate exceeds £2 million. Couples can combine for up to £350,000 in RNRB.
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