UK Probate and Inheritance Tax, explained

Losing someone is hard enough without the paperwork. These guides explain what probate is, whether you need it, and what — if anything — is owed in Inheritance Tax.

Where do I start?

Five plain-English guides, from death registration to distribution.

Reviewed by a qualified probate case manager

All figures on this page verified June 2026 against GOV.UK.

Do I need probate?Work out whether you need a grant of probate at all — and when you don't.
How long does probate take in 2026?Realistic current timelines, the known delay points, and copy-paste chase templates.
Inheritance Tax, explained and datedThe thresholds, rates and allowances — every figure dated and sourced from GOV.UK.
The executor's role: duties and liabilityWhat an executor actually has to do — and what happens if you make a mistake.
Who inherits when there is no will?The statutory order of inheritance — including the unmarried-partner gap.

Two of the most-asked questions

Bank probate thresholds: when each bank needs a grantThe balance at which each major UK bank requires a grant of probate.
Excepted estates: do you even need an IHT form?Since January 2022, most estates no longer file IHT205. Find out which applies to you.

UK Probate and Inheritance Tax, explained

Guides

Two of the most-asked questions

UK Probate and Inheritance Tax, explained

Guides

Two of the most-asked questions