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Wills and inheritance tax

A gift in your Will to a charity is tax free. This could bring the value of your estate below the inheritance tax threshold.

When you die, your estate is valued to see if it is liable for inheritance tax. The valuation will include the market value of your home (not the value when you bought it). If your estate is worth more than the threshold set by the Government, then the amount over and above the threshold will be subject to inheritance tax at 40%.

2011/12 threshold

The inheritance tax threshold for the tax year 2011/12 is set at £325,000. This is likely to rise year on year - so you need to be aware of current figures.

Gifts left to your spouse, civil partner or to a charity are free from tax, as the value of these is deducted from your estate before inheritance tax is calculated.

So a gift to us could bring the total value of your estate below the threshold - and avoid your estate being taxed altogether.

Consult a solicitor

Of course, individual circumstances can affect wills and inheritance tax. So it's always best to consult a solicitor about the best tax-saving options for you.

Contact us

If you would like to talk in confidence about how to include a gift in your Will to Parkinson's UK or would like further information call Chris Brodrick on 020 7963 9344 or email legacies@parkinsons.org.uk

We understand that your Will is a private matter and will keep anything discussed confidential and without obligation.