黑料视频

It is a formal statement made on oath by a personal representative (executor or administrator) setting out all assets and property belonging to a deceased person's estate at the date of death. It forms part of the probate process and is used to satisfy the Probate Registry, HMRC, and beneficiaries that the estate has been fully and accurately accounted for.

The executors named in the will, or the administrators appointed where there is no will, are personally responsible for accounting for estate assets. They must complete the relevant inheritance tax forms (IHT205 or IHT400) before the Probate Registry will issue a grant. The declaration they sign affirms the accuracy of the information provided.

All assets owned by the deceased at the date of death must be included: freehold and leasehold property, bank and savings accounts, investments, business interests, personal possessions, vehicles, life insurance payable to the estate, and any debts owed to the deceased. Assets held as joint tenants pass by survivorship outside the estate, but their value is still reported for inheritance tax purposes.

Yes, gifts made within seven years of death (potentially exempt transfers) must be disclosed to HMRC. Gifts into trust may also need to be reported. Failing to disclose lifetime gifts can result in inheritance tax penalties and interest. The personal representative must make reasonable enquiries of family members and financial institutions to identify gifts made in the seven years before death.

HMRC can raise enquiries into the estate up to four years after the filing date for innocent errors, and up to 20 years where there is deliberate omission. Interest and penalties of up to 100% of the unpaid tax can be charged. Where the understatement is deliberate and made under oath, the Fraud Act 2006 and the Perjury Act 1911 may also apply, carrying criminal penalties.

Property held as beneficial joint tenants does not pass under the estate, but its value must still be included on the inheritance tax account (IHT400) because it counts towards the deceased's total estate for IHT purposes. Property held as tenants in common does form part of the estate and passes under the will or intestacy rules.

Personal representatives can instruct a solicitor or accountant to assist with gathering information and completing the forms, but the duty to swear the declaration and the legal responsibility for its accuracy remain personal. Delegation does not reduce a personal representative's liability if the declaration turns out to be incomplete or inaccurate.

It should identify the deceased by name, date of death, and domicile, list every asset with its estimated value at the date of death, identify jointly held assets, disclose lifetime gifts in the preceding seven years, list outstanding debts and liabilities, and include the sworn declaration with the date and the commissioner's details. Supporting valuations for property and investments should be exhibited.