Application for a Grant of Probate Only (Taxable Estate)
If you choose this option, we prepare the papers for an application for a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration based upon information provided by you (the Personal Representatives), and then hand the estate back to you for completion. This applies to estates where Inheritance Tax is payable and a detailed Inheritance Tax account (IHT400) is required.
What is included?
- Preparation of the Legal Statement and HM Revenue and Customs account (IHT 400) after details of the assets and liabilities of the estate are supplied by you
- Calculation of Inheritance Tax due
- Preparation of forms to obtain payment of Inheritance Tax from deceased’s bank accounts directly to HM Revenue and Customs
- Receiving IHT421 form from HM Revenue and Customs to allow Probate application
- Meeting Executors to go through and sign paperwork. However, all paperwork can be sent in the post with clear instructions, if preferred
- Lodging the application with Probate Registry and paying appropriate Court fees on your behalf
- Forwarding copies of the Grant to you when received
What is not included?
- Claim for transferable nil rate band inheritance tax relief or residence nil rate band or investigations into the same?
- Investigations into any assets or liabilities of the estate
- Collection of and distribution of any estate assets
- Payment of any estate liabilities
- Preparation of any estate account
- Searches such as asset searches, bankruptcy searches, creditor notices
- Advice upon Deeds of Variation or interpretation of the Will
- Advice in relation to life policies or assets held in Trust or outside of the estate
What does it cost?
This work is usually carried out on the basis of our hourly rates. However, we are able to offer a fixed fee if preferred.
The following fees will be in addition:
- Probate Court fees (£273 plus £1.50 per copy grant required)
- Land registry fees for Office Copy Entries (if required) (£3 plus VAT per property)
- Inheritance tax. For an indication as to the likely Inheritance Tax charge please see here
*All reference to VAT on this page is at the standard rate of 20%
How long will it take?
It is difficult to predict how long the overall process will take as it will depend upon how quickly the information can be provided by you and how quickly the Probate Registry and other agencies can respond to the application. However, we expect to carry out our work within 3-6 months of receiving the papers from you.
In the event that additional work is required for any reason or an unforeseen complexity arises that means that the above pricing structure is no longer appropriate we would advise you of this at the outset, or as the situation arises.