IHTM40141 | Changes after the issue of the clearance certificate: changes to the value of assets

Increase in value

If a form IHT30 or non-statutory assurance letter has been issued at a title and the taxpayer offers to pay tax on an increased value, at that title, you should inform them that the value is settled so far as inheritance tax is concerned and no adjustment is necessary. This only applies to the assets covered by the certificate.

Example

The value of a house in the estate at death has been agreed with the Valuation Office at £100,000. An application for clearance has been received and issued to the personal representatives (IHTM05012) in respect of the assets for which they are liable. The personal representatives then sell the house for £120,000 and offer to pay inheritance tax on the increased price. You should politely refuse the taxpayer’s offer as the value has been agreed and is covered by the clearance certificate that has been issued.

The exception to this rule is where you believe that the taxpayer may have failed to disclose a material fact (IHTM40143) affecting the valuation of the asset before the certificate was issued.

Decrease in value

If the taxpayer claims that the value of any assets in the estate should be decreased you should deal with their claim on its merits whether or not a certificate has been issued at that title.