Can I apply for an HMRC clearance that Business Property Relief will apply? How do I apply?

This is a freeview 'At a glance' guide to HMRC clearance and Business Property Relief.

At a glance

A business owner can apply to HMRC to see whether Inheritance Tax (IHT) Business Property Relief (BPR) is potentially available in respect of business property.

This is a non-statutory procedure and is only available in cases where there is material uncertainty as to the status of property. A material uncertainty could include the effect of possible transactions, such as takeovers. 

Business owners are advised to seek advice before making a clearance application on the following types of property:

The service is available where there is an immediate IHT charge, such as transfers into and out of a trust. It is not
available for: 

Where BPR applications involve a change of ownership of a business, any clearance given will remain valid for a limited period of six months.

Clearances may be given pre and post-transaction.

HMRC state they will usually reply within 28 days, although there is no absolute deadline that HMRC must meet, being a non-statutory process. 

For further information on BPR, see:

Full details of HMRC's process are available here (link to HMRC). This also includes a checklist of items to include in the clearance application. 

Useful guides on this topic

Acting for a trust? Start hereā€¦
This is an essential guide for advisers and trustees on how to manage the tax affairs of a UK trust and how to avoid common pitfalls.

How to set up a UK trust
What are the tax implications of setting up a trust? What do I need to do as a settlor? What do the trustees need to do? 

How to wind up a UK trust
What are the tax implications of winding up a trust? What do I need to do as a trustee to wind up a trust? Why wind up a trust?

Trusts & Estates: Exit charge reporting requirements
What is an exit charge, or proportionate charge and when does it apply?

Trusts & Estates: Ten-year charge reporting requirements
What is the ten-year charge (or principal or periodic charge) and when does it apply?


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