Inheritance tax
If you are leaving everything to your spouse there is no immediate tax to pay because gifts between spouses are tax free.
ISAs and PEPs lose their tax-free status once you die and are included in your estate.
You only have to worry about paying IHT on a gift if the legacy is paid before tax. Often, the estate pays the tax. If there is not enough money to cover the tax once legacies have been paid, you may end up with a bill.
[sub] Potentially exempt transfers (PETs)
A PET is tax free is you survive for at least seven years after making the gift. It is taxable on a reducing scale if you die after three years. After your death tax is payable on PETs made in the previous seven years if it means the estate comes to more than the IHT threshold.
IHT planning is complex and you need to seek professional advice.

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Latest news
Statutory legacy to increase 29 August 2008
Married couples and civil partners whose spouse or civil partner dies without leaving a will are to benefit from an increase in the statutory legacy under new Government proposals.
- Government told to simplify CGT 21 August 2008
- Wiping out inheritance tax 20 August 2008
- Inheritance tax confusion costs millions
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Tax planning in depth
Tax on the internet 4 March 2008
Martin Fagan explains where you can find tax advice online
- Improving efficiency 25 February 2008
- Planning to pass it on 4 February 2008
- Your pension pot of gold 30 October 2007
Guides
Guide to inheritance tax 21 January 2008
Paul Wilcox, chairman and technical director, WAY Group outlines the basics of inheritance tax.
- Live webchat: Inheritance tax 12 September 2007
- Make sure you don't pay hidden tax on investments 17 April 2007
- Use your capital gains tax allowance 17 April 2007
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