We examine here the manner in which the new inheritance tax reduction on legacies to charity will be calculated and applied.
The Finance Act 2012 formalised the Government's 2011 budget proposal to encourage legacies to charity. This is achieved by reducing the rate of inheritance tax (IHT) from 40% to 36% for estates in which at least 10% of the taxable estate is left to charity. The new rules have taken effect for deaths occurring on or after 6 April 2012.
One of the key issues arising from the Consultation Paper on this topic was how the reduced rate would apply to the different parts of an individual's estate. This could impact on a testator's decision as to whether to leave anything to charity and if so, how much. Would the reduced rate only apply to assets passing under a Will, or could it also apply to jointly owned property that passes by survivorship, or to property held in trust?
The legislation made it clear that for these purposes a person's estate will be divided into four 'components', the three just mentioned, and also property which had been given away but in which the deceased still 'reserved a benefit' at the date of death.
The lower IHT rate will apply to any 'component' where the 10% gift to charity test is met unless an election to disapply is made. At first glance it may seem unlikely that anyone would elect not to derive the benefit of paying 4% less IHT, but there may be situations where, for example, the estate comprises assets which will be complex and/or expensive to value, with the result that the valuation costs would outweigh the benefit of obtaining the rate reduction.
It is also possible for an election to be made to merge the different components. Suppose an individual's estate comprises two components: assets passing under a Will, and also a life interest under a trust which is subject to IHT on their death. If a substantial gift to charity has been made by the Will, well in excess of the 10% level, the executors could elect with the trustees of the trust for the two components to be merged. Provided that the value of the gift to charity exceeds 10% of the taxable value of the two components combined, both will benefit from the IHT rate reduction, even though the gift to charity comprises only the individual's personal assets.
When considering making a gift to charity in a Will to take advantage of the rate reduction, it will therefore be important to factor in all the different components of the estate to see how it fits together. Particular care may be needed in drafting the terms of the Will.
Those charities which invite donors to leave legacies as part of their fundraising campaigns may also wish to update their legacy packs to encourage those likely to leave qualifying estates to take advantage of the rate reduction.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
