The general rule for inheritance tax purposes is that the value
of any property (
IHTM04030) is the price it might
reasonably be expected to fetch if sold in the open market at that
time, IHTA84/S160. This is usually referred to as the ‘open
market value’. What we mean by this is discussed more fully
at
IHTM09704. The costs incurred in making
the sale are not reflected in the open market value of an asset.
The legislation also states that the value of an asset should
not be reduced where the quantity to be valued is so great that if
it were all to be sold at the same time it would fetch a lower
price that a smaller quantity, IHTA84/S160. For example, if the
substantial shareholdings of a director of a quoted company were
all sold at the same time the sale might flood the market and
decrease the price. But this is ignored and no decrease allowed
when we value a substantial shareholding on, say, the death of
director.
The fact that because of some restriction (
IHTM09771) an item of property may not
be sold does not prevent it being valued under IHTA84/S160.
