Inheritance Tax calculator UK: basic estate estimate
Estimate basic UK Inheritance Tax using net estate value, exempt spouse bequests and confirmed nil-rate bands. See the standard-rate illustration and limits.
Enter your figures
Basic Inheritance Tax illustration
Inputs changed. Select Calculate result to update your estimate.
Basic illustration at the standard 40% rate. The default allowance is £325,000. Enter a higher allowance only after confirming transferable or residence bands and any taper. Excludes lifetime gifts, charity-rate reductions, trusts, overseas issues and business/agricultural relief. Not an estate assessment.
How the inheritance tax calculator uk: basic estate estimate works
Tax = max(0, net estate − exempt spouse bequest − confirmed nil-rate bands) × 40%.
UK data and rules
2026/27 data · Checked 16 October 2026. Rules are a dated snapshot, not a live feed.
Read about data coverage and updates
Worked example: basic inheritance tax
This illustration uses the calculator’s example inputs. It is not a quote or a recommended financial decision.
- Estate after debts and funeral costs (£)
- 500,000
- Spouse / civil partner exempt bequest (£)
- 0
- Confirmed available nil-rate bands (£)
- 325,000
Basic Inheritance Tax illustration: £70,000.00
Tax = max(0, net estate − exempt spouse bequest − confirmed nil-rate bands) × 40%.
Basic Inheritance Tax: questions answered
Can I automatically use a £500,000 Inheritance Tax allowance?
No. The default here is the standard nil-rate band. Residence and transferable bands have conditions and possible tapering. Enter a higher available amount only after confirming that it applies to the estate.
Using your result
Example inputs are a starting point. Replace them with your figures and select Calculate result. Results are rounded for display; calculations use unrounded values.
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