Office of Tax Simplification urges creation of digitised IHT system

Unadvised can spend 50 hours on IHT admin

Hannah Godfrey
clock • 3 min read

The Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) has urged the government to create a digital IHT system, which it said would make the whole process simpler and smoother.

In January 2018, chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond asked the OTS to carry out a review of inheritance tax (IHT) to make recommendations on simplification and to make the experience of those who interact with it as smooth as possible. In a report published today (23 November), the OTS has now recommended the government implement a fully integrated digital system for IHT - ideally including the ability to complete and submit a probate application. It acknowledged creating a full digitised system could be expensive and time-consuming, so suggested changes should be made to the c...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Tax Planning

Reeves has 'huge opportunity' to reform taxes in Autumn Budget

Reeves has 'huge opportunity' to reform taxes in Autumn Budget

‘Frankly, it’s become quite desperate’

Isabel Baxter
clock 14 October 2025 • 4 min read
IHT on pensions changes slammed as 'unworkable' - PIMFA

IHT on pensions changes slammed as 'unworkable' - PIMFA

Risk creating serious problems for bereaved families, trade body warns

Isabel Baxter
clock 24 September 2025 • 4 min read
IHT receipts rise again to £3.7bn as Autumn Budget looms

IHT receipts rise again to £3.7bn as Autumn Budget looms

Up £190m year-on-year amid government’s ‘fiscal bind’

Isabel Baxter
clock 19 September 2025 • 4 min read