Can I Complete Inheritance Tax Forms Online in the UK? A Guide for Executors and Families

Belgravia Capital
May 31
3 min read

Managing a loved one’s estate can be daunting, especially when it comes to navigating the paperwork.

One of the most frequently asked questions we hear at Belgravia Capital Wealth Management is:

“Can I complete inheritance tax forms online?”

The short answer is: Yes - but only in some cases.

HMRC now offers partial digital services for inheritance tax (IHT), but it’s not fully online for all estates.

Understanding when you can apply online, and when you still need paper forms, can save you time and frustration.

In this article, we explain which IHT forms can be completed online, what the process involves, and when professional help is essential.

What Is an Inheritance Tax Form?

When someone dies, their estate must be valued to determine if inheritance tax is due.

This requires submitting information to HMRC using one of the following key forms:

IHT205 – for estates that are excepted from IHT (used mainly for lower-value or straightforward cases)
IHT400 – for more complex estates, including those over the nil-rate threshold
IHT421 – to apply for the Grant of Probate after submitting IHT400
IHT100 – for lifetime gifts and transfers into trust

Historically, these have all been paper-based, but HMRC is gradually introducing online services for some cases.

Can I Submit the IHT205 Form Online?

Yes - in some cases. The IHT205 form is used when:

The estate’s value is below the IHT threshold (£325,000)
Or up to £1 million if the estate passes entirely to a spouse or civil partner

You can now submit an IHT205-equivalent form online through the Probate application portal, which is managed by the Government’s MyHMCTS platform (for professionals) or the Probate Service (for individuals).

This form is part of the probate application, and it requires you to declare:

The gross and net value of the estate- That no IHT is due
That the estate qualifies as “excepted”

Can I Complete the IHT400 Form Online?

No - not yet. The IHT400 is the long-form inheritance tax return used when:

The estate’s value exceeds the IHT threshold
There are gifts made in the 7 years before death
The deceased owned trust assets or business property

As of 2025, this form still must be completed and submitted by post, alongside any supplementary schedules.

What About Submitting Probate Applications Online?

Yes - in many cases, probate can be applied for online via:

Probate Service (for lay applicants)
MyHMCTS (for legal professionals and estate administrators)

If no IHT is due (i.e. IHT205 applies), probate and inheritance tax declarations can be handled together via the online portal.

If IHT is due (i.e. IHT400 applies), you must:

Complete and post the IHT400
Wait for HMRC to issue form IHT421 to the Probate Registry
Then apply for probate using the paper or online system

Can I Pay Inheritance Tax Online?

Yes. HMRC accepts payment of inheritance tax via:

Online banking
Telephone banking
CHAPS/BACS- At your bank or building society

You’ll need the 13-digit IHT reference number from HMRC (form IHT422) before making payment.

Pros and Cons of the Online IHT System

Pros:

Faster processing for simple estates
Less paperwork for executors
Easier submission for lay applicants

Cons:

Limited to “excepted” estates only
Complex cases still require paper forms
Requires accurate information and legal confidence

When Should You Get Professional Help?

Inheritance tax and probate law can be complex. Seek expert advice if:

The estate is valued over £325,000
There are lifetime gifts or trusts involved
You need to calculate IHT on foreign assets
You want to use the residence nil-rate band
You are unsure about your legal responsibilities as an executor

How We Can Help

We provide support with:

Valuing estates and calculating IHT- Completing and submitting IHT400 and supplementary forms
Coordinating probate applications
Planning strategies to reduce IHT before death
Managing trusts and lifetime gifting

Whether you’re dealing with a family estate or planning your own, we’re here to simplify the process.

Conclusion: Can You Complete Inheritance Tax Forms Online?

Yes - but only if the estate qualifies as “excepted.”

For more complex estates, you’ll still need to complete the IHT400 and post it to HMRC.

The system is improving, but for now, professional guidance is key in avoiding costly mistakes and delays.

Need help managing inheritance tax or probate for a loved one?