Budget 2010: IHT frozen for four years

The move is to help meet the cost of care for older people, says Darling. Darling had been widely expected to raise IHT in order to meet the Prime Minister's spending programme. In December's Pre-Budget Report (PBR), Darling announced he would freeze IHT thresholds for the 2010-11 tax year, with the zero-rate band remaining at £325,000 per person from April (£650,000 for couples). It was due to rise to £350,000. At the time, Darling said fewer than 3% of estates would pay IHT. Chris Maddock, head of private clients at accounting, tax and business advisory group Vantis says:"If t...