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TSEM6058 | Legal background to trusts and estates: executors and HMRC

From HM Revenue & Customs · Trusts, Settlements and Estates Manual

Upon the death of a person the personal representatives become the legal owners of the deceased's estate. If they leave a valid will they will be named as executors and will be authorised to act by a grant of probate (in Scotland, confirmation).

Normally HMRC will not request sight of the will and probate (confirmation) for income tax purposes. But, it may be needed if

  • there are doubts about the time limits for an instrument of variation and/or an election or statement of intent under Section 142 IHTA 1984 or TCGA92/S62(7)

  • it is required as part of a formal SA enquiry

  • a submission is needed in relation to a deed of variation/family arrangement executed (TSEM1815).

More detailed advice is at TSEM7220.

When the executors wind up the estate, they pay out the assets. HMRC may ask who received them.