HM Revenue and Customs Trusts and Estates have revealed they’ve relaxed the processes surrounding wet signatures being needed on inheritance tax (IHT) forms, during the coronavirus pandemic.
In the most recent newsletter, HMRC Trusts and Estate said:
“We recognise that it’s difficult for personal representatives or trustees to physically sign forms IHT400, IHT100 and IHT205 with current social-distancing measures in place.
“To help customers, we’ve agreed a new temporary process. Until further notice we’ll accept accounts and returns without wet signatures from professional agents if:
- the names and personal details of the personal representatives or trustees are shown on the declaration page
- the account has been seen by all the personal representatives or trustees and they all agree to be bound by the declaration”
If you need to send an IHT form you are advised to add one of the following statements to the form:
- IHT 100 – As the agent acting on their behalf, I confirm that all people whose names appear on the declaration page of the IHT100 have seen the IHT100 and agreed to be bound by the declaration on page 8 of the IHT100.
- IHT205 – As the agent acting on their behalf, I confirm that all the people whose names appear on the declaration page of this IHT205 have seen the IHT205 Return and agreed to be bound by the declaration on page 8 of the IHT205
- IHT400 – As the agent acting on their behalf, I confirm that all the people whose names appear on the declaration page of this IHT400 have seen the IHT400 and agreed to be bound by the declaration on page 14 of the IHT400
