IHTM13015 | Investigation of form IHT401: Compliance

From 6 April 2025, for inheritance tax purposes, domicile is replaced by long-term UK residence and you can find details of these rules at IHTM47000 and IHTM47013.

Any file you receive in Compliance where an IHT401 has been completed will already have been examined by Risk and judged to be a complex case requiring enquiries. You will need to investigate the question of domicile where it has been highlighted as an aspect for enquiry.

When considering domicile, you should consider and look carefully at all the information on the file, taking into account the instructions given in the Residence Domicile and Remittance Basis Manual (RDRM) (HMRC website).

Because the issues can be complex and you will need to consider each individual’s domicile on its own facts you may want to discuss any cases where domicile is an issue with your manager or mentor before raising initial enquiries. If the case is particularly complex you may then need to refer it to Technical for further advice.

Spouse or civil partner exemption (IHTM11032) is restricted if, at the date of transfer, the transferor was UK domiciled but their surviving spouse or civil partner was not (IHTM13031). Where the domicile in question is that of the spouse or civil partner and needs further investigation you should discuss this matter with your manager or mentor before making any referral to Technical.

This also applies where the question of domicile has arisen on submission of an IHT100 account on a death or life-time transfer.