In this section:
This guide outlines the most common forms for Inheritance Tax and probate (or confirmation). The forms you need depend on the value of the estate and where the deceased lived at the time of death. Inheritance Tax forms are part of the probate process even if the estate doesn't owe Inheritance Tax.
On this page:
The forms you need for probate (or confirmation) depend on where the deceased lived. They're filled in together with the right Inheritance Tax forms for your circumstances - see the sections below on 'Forms for excepted estates' and 'Forms when Inheritance Tax is due'.
Find out more about Inheritance Tax and the probate/confirmation process
Form PA1 and associated forms - Probate Application
Form C1 - Confirmation, with inventory
The executor should make an appointment with the Northern Ireland Court Service who will produce the probate forms.
Most estates are excepted estates. This means they have no Inheritance Tax to pay. (However, not all estates with no Inheritance Tax to pay are excepted estates.)
If you're not sure if the estate is 'excepted', see the link below on what qualifies as an excepted estate.
See what qualifies as an excepted estate
The form you need for an excepted estate is the Return of Estate Information form. There are different versions of the form, depending mostly on where the deceased lived and their date of death. Check the top of the first page to make sure you have the right form for the date of death.
Help with the Inheritance Tax Return of Estate Information forms
Form IHT205 - Return of Estate Information
The form you need depends on the value of the deceased's estate:
In this case, the deceased must have had their permanent home abroad and assets in the UK under £150,000 consisting only of cash, bank accounts and listed stocks and shares.
With assets in England, Wales or Northern Ireland:
Form IHT207 - Return of Estate Information
With assets in Scotland:
Form C5 (OUK) - Return of Estate Information
If an unused Inheritance Tax threshold is being transferred so that the estate can qualify as an excepted estate you'll also need to complete the claim to transfer unused nil rate band for excepted estates form IHT217.
Form IHT217 - Claim to transfer unused nil rate band for excepted estates
If the estate owes Inheritance Tax - or if it's not an excepted estate - you have to fill in a full Inheritance Tax account.
The main form you need is the IHT400 Inheritance Tax Account form and any supplementary pages. This form has replaced form IHT200 and is the same no matter what country the deceased lived in.
You'll also need to fill in form IHT421 Probate Summary (or a C1 Confirmation form with inventory in Scotland).
You must also request an Inheritance Tax reference number and payslip if you have any Inheritance Tax to pay. If you know the deceased's National Insurance number you can apply online using the link below. You can't apply online if the Inheritance Tax payment is for a trust.
Do it online - get an Inheritance Tax reference number
If you don't know the deceased's National Insurance number - or if they didn't have one - you can download form IHT422 to apply for an Inheritance Tax reference number by post using the link below.
Form IHT422 - Application for Inheritance Tax Reference
How to make an Inheritance Tax payment
The main form you need for paying Inheritance Tax on a trust or gift - known as a 'chargeable event' - is the same in all countries:
Form IHT100 - Inheritance Tax Account
Depending on your circumstances, you'll also need an 'event' form. You may also need one or more supplementary pages. The link above will take you to a page that tells you which other forms you'll need.
Find out more about Inheritance Tax and trusts
If you file an Inheritance Tax Account and the circumstances around the assets change afterwards, you'll need to send in form C4 Corrective Account. This will allow you to show where you've paid too much or too little Inheritance Tax. It will also allow you to account for assets:
If you need an additional Grant of Confirmation for assets in Scotland you will need to fill in form C4(S) Corrective Account/Inventory.
Form C4 - Corrective Account/Inventory
Form C4(S) - Corrective Account/Inventory
Contact the Probate and Inheritance Tax Helpline
Find all forms for probate and Inheritance Tax
Find out how to make an Inheritance Tax payment
Get help with the IHT205 and C5 Inheritance Tax Return of Estate Information forms
Find out more about Inheritance Tax if the deceased was 'domiciled' abroad
