Do you have an inheritance tax query?

HMRC used to offer an Inheritance Tax and Probate Helpline. From 02 October 2023, the dedicated helpline is closed. This is part of HMRC and HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) joint initiative to improve the service for probate and Inheritance Tax customers.

There are now two numbers to contact:

1. For probate queries, contact HMCTS - telephone 0300 303 0648 (or e-Mail contactprobate@justice.gov.uk)
2. For Inheritance Tax queries, contact HMRC - telephone 0300 123 1072 (or use HMRC's online 'assistant' but NOT if an Inheritance Tax account (IHT400) that has already been sent)

HMRC advise that having two probate lines (one by HMRC and one by HMCTS) as was previously the case, could confuse callers and the number of transfers between the two departments was significant. However, if the wrong line is called, there is the assurance that they will do their best to assist.

We suggest using the above contact details.

About the Author

Paul Newbold

Partner

After qualifying with KPMG where he gained significant audit experience, Paul joined Torgersens in 1991 and became the firm’s audit partner in 2000. Paul employs his broad range of financial skills to provide commercial and accounting advice to a range of owner-managed businesses in the independent retail, education and professional services sectors. He also has extensive experience dealing with charities, Registered Social Landlords and not-for-profit organisations and co-operatives.   Outside of work, Paul likes to visit Eastern France and South-West German and read novels by David Morrell, Michael Blake and Harper Lee. He also likes watching films, his favourite is The Shawshank Redemption.

To get in touch please e-mail paul.newbold@torgersens.com.