Inheritance Tax (IHT) Calculator
Calculate the inheritance tax to pay on an estate with our instant IHT calculator. Our inheritance tax checker below helps you assess an estate's potential inheritance tax liability.
Enter its assets and any debts and extra information in the following fields, and we'll show you an instant estimate of how much could be subject to inheritance tax. This can help you better understand and prepare for any upcoming tax bill during an emotional time.
Not sure how IHT is calculated? Read our guide to calculating inheritance tax before you start, or see the latest IHT rule changes for 2025-2030
Based on the estimated figures you have entered, this gives an estate value of:
House value:
£0Value of other assets:
£0Total deductions:
£0Total Estate Value:
£0Estimated Tax:
If property does not go to children
If property goes to children
Please note:
The results are estimates only and are based on standard UK Inheritance Tax rules, using the net estate value after debts. They assume standard allowances, no transferable allowances or reliefs, and apply a flat 40% tax rate. Actual liabilities may differ depending on individual circumstances, including estate size, exemptions, and transferable allowances.
What to do if your estate owes Inheritance Tax
If your calculation shows an IHT liability, you are not alone. Each year an estimated 2,000 families face an upfront IHT bill they cannot easily cover — particularly when the estate’s value is tied up in property rather than liquid cash.
The catch-22 is well known: probate cannot be granted until IHT is paid, but estate funds cannot be accessed until probate is granted. Level’s Inheritance Tax Loan bridges that gap — paid directly to HMRC within days, with no personal liability and no monthly repayments. The loan is repaid from estate proceeds once assets are released.
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Angelique Haines
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William Campbell
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Archie Boscawen
Specialises in making complex cases simpleWhy choose Level for financial support?
Trusted provider
As one of the UK's few specialist family law and probate lenders, we've lent over £170 million to thousands of people in similar situations to you.
Fast, flexible solutions
Don't wait any longer than you need to. Our team can usually offer an in-principle decision in 1-2 working days, even in complex cases, avoiding further unnecessary delays.
Personal support
We know dealing with a loved one's estate can be challenging in lots of ways. Our friendly, expert lending team are here to guide you through the process.
FAQ's
Answers to some common questions
This tool is designed to give a quick estimate based on the information you enter. Results are estimates only, based on standard UK Inheritance Tax rules using the net estate value after debts. They assume standard allowances, no transferable allowances or reliefs, and apply a flat 40% tax rate. Actual liabilities may differ depending on individual circumstances, including estate size, exemptions, and transferable allowances. We recommend a more in-depth review from a tax professional for detailed guidance.
The standard inheritance tax rate in the UK is 40% on the portion of an estate above the nil-rate band of £325,000. Key allowances to be aware of:
- Residence Nil Rate Band (RNRB) — an additional £175,000 allowance applies if the main residence is left to direct descendants (children or grandchildren), raising the individual threshold to £500,000
- Married couples and civil partners — can combine allowances for a total of up to £650,000, or up to £1 million with the RNRB
- Charitable donations — leaving 10% or more of the net estate to charity reduces the IHT rate to 36%
- Spousal exemption — assets left to a spouse or civil partner are exempt from IHT entirely
For a full breakdown, read our inheritance tax guide.
Inheritance tax must be paid by the end of the sixth month after the person's death. It is paid by the executor of a will, or the administrator of the estate if there is no will. Importantly, IHT must be paid before a Grant of Probate can be issued — which creates a cashflow challenge when estate funds are tied up in property rather than liquid cash. For more on timing and payment options, see our guide to when and how to pay inheritance tax.
Yes. Level's Inheritance Tax Loan is purpose-built to help executors pay an IHT liability and progress probate when an estate has limited liquid funds. Level pays HMRC directly within a matter of days — with no personal liability, no credit checks, and no monthly repayments. The loan is repaid from estate proceeds once assets are released. Apply online or call us on 020 7205 2870.
Yes. Married couples and civil partners can combine their nil-rate bands and RNRBs. If one spouse has unused allowance when they die, it can be transferred to the surviving spouse's estate — doubling the potential allowance. Standard combined allowance: up to £650,000 (£325,000 each) With RNRB: up to £1,000,000 (£500,000 each, if house goes to children) Unused allowance transfers automatically — you don't need to claim it.
No as probate must be in place first. However, executors can make a payment on account to HMRC before the full amount is due, which can speed up the Grant process. In practice, many executors need external funding (like an IHT Loan) to do this. Alternatively, if the estate owns land or property, HMRC can accept a mortgage on the property as security while probate is being granted but this is complex and not available in all cases.
Most executors face this exact situation. Your options are to either ,ask beneficiaries to contribute , sell estate assets quickly or to get an IHT Loan from a provider such as ourselves. We'd usually offer an in-principle decision within 1–2 days, and can pay HMRC directly.