Form IHT205 (2011): Return of estate information
Form IHT205 (2011) is the short Inheritance Tax return for an excepted estate, used only where the person died on or after 6 April 2011 and on or before 31 December 2021.
This is the genuine HMRC PDF, unmodified. Source: HMRC official page.
What is IHT205 (2011)?
An excepted estate is one where a full Inheritance Tax account is not needed. The form states its own limits: use it where the deceased was domiciled in the UK at the date of death and the gross value of the estate for Inheritance Tax is less than or equal to the excepted estate limit, or twice that limit with form IHT217 attached to claim a transferred nil rate band, or £1 million where there is no tax to pay because of spouse, civil partner or charity exemption.
The eight page form asks about the person who has died, gifts and other transfers, joint and foreign assets, assets held in trust, then the assets and debts of the estate itself, ending with a declaration signed by the personal representatives. Booklet IHT206(2011) is the notes that go with it. If it later turns out the estate does not qualify as excepted, form IHT400 has to be completed and sent to HMRC, and any tax paid.
Who files IHT205 (2011)?
- Executors named in the will of someone who died between 6 April 2011 and 31 December 2021
- Administrators of an estate where there is no will, for a death in the same period
- Personal representatives of an excepted estate where no Inheritance Tax is due
- Personal representatives claiming a transferred nil rate band on form IHT217 alongside this return
How to fill out IHT205 (2011)
- Check the date of death first. Do not use this form for deaths on or after 1 January 2022, because the excepted estate rules changed from that date.
- Read booklet IHT206(2011), which is the official guidance for filling in each box of this form.
- Complete the sections on the person who has died, gifts and other transfers of value, jointly owned and foreign assets, and assets held in trust.
- Value the estate: list the assets and the debts, work through to the gross value at box H, and tick the declaration box that matches which excepted estate condition you are relying on.
- Sign the declaration and send the form with your application for the grant of representation, following the instructions in IHT206(2011). Keep a copy, because HMRC cannot provide one later.
Quick fill IHT205 (2011) on this page
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Frequently asked questions
Can I use IHT205 for a recent death?
No. The form says plainly not to use it for deaths on or after 1 January 2022. For those deaths the excepted estate rules changed and the estate information is reported as part of the probate application instead, so check the current GOV.UK guidance.
What if the estate turns out not to be excepted?
You must then fill in form IHT400 and send it to HMRC, and pay any tax due. The form also warns that if the estate fails to qualify and you do not tell HMRC within 6 months of the failure coming to your notice, financial penalties or prosecution can follow.
What is form IHT217 for?
It is the claim to transfer unused nil rate band for excepted estates. Attaching it lets you use IHT205 where the gross value of the estate is up to twice the excepted estate limit.