Inheritance tax

The rates of tax applicable to gifts and inheritances are as follows:

Threshold amount: Nil

The balance: 25% (since 7 April 2009; previously 22%).

Discretionary trust tax

Assets placed in discretionary trusts are subject to:

(a) A once-off charge of 6%, which is due within four months of the valuation date (s 18).

(b) An annual charge of 1%, which is due on 31 December each year, and payable four months later each year during the trust’s lifetime (s 23).