Pay your Inheritance Tax bill
Pay early to avoid paying interest
You can make early Inheritance Tax payments before you know the exact amount the estate owes (this is known as a ‘payment on account’).
If you do not pay all the tax the estate owes by the due date, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will charge you interest.
Find out the Inheritance Tax interest rates.
If you overpay
If you pay more money than the final bill says the estate owes, HMRC will refund the excess after you’ve been given probate (confirmation in Scotland). Probate is the right to deal with the deceased person’s property, money and possessions.
HMRC will also pay you interest on the amount you’ve overpaid.
To receive the refund, you’ll need to write to HMRC.
HM Revenue and Customs
Inheritance Tax Team
BX9 1HT
Put ‘Repayment - further details’ at the top of the letter.
Include the name, number and sort code of the bank account you want the refund to go to.
The letter must be signed by the same people who signed forms IHT400 and IHT100 if:
- you’re applying without the help of a solicitor or agent
- the refund is being paid into a different bank account to the one nominated in IHT400 or IHT100
If you’re an agent acting on behalf of the estate and you’re not asking for the refund to be paid into a different bank account, only put your signature on the letter.