Probate Services – What we can do for you
Our team of experienced accountants provides comprehensive probate services designed to ease the process during difficult times. Here’s how we can help:
- Grant of Probate: We manage the entire process of obtaining the grant of probate from HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS). The grant of probate is a legal document that officially recognises the executor(s) of the will and provides them with the authority to administer the deceased’s estate. This includes preparing and submitting all necessary documentation to ensure the executor(s) can manage and distribute the estate according to the will.
- Inheritance Tax (IHT) Forms: We handle the submission of the necessary Inheritance Tax forms to HMRC, which is required for estates above a certain value. This involves detailed reporting of the estate’s assets and liabilities, as well as any gifts made by the deceased. Our expertise ensures compliance with all HMRC requirements, minimising the risk of errors or delays.
- Inheritance Tax Reconciliation: Our team will reconcile the inheritance tax position with HMRC, ensuring all liabilities are accurately calculated and settled.
- HMRC Queries: We act as your representatives in dealing with HMRC, addressing any queries they may have about the estate. This includes providing additional information and documentation as required by HMRC
- Administration of Bequests: We assist in the administration and payment of bequests to beneficiaries, ensuring that all distributions are made according to the wishes outlined in the will. We are able to handle all financial transactions, if required by the Executors.
- Estate Accounts: Our team prepares detailed Estate accounts, recording all income, expenses, assets, and liabilities. These accounts ensure full transparency and provides a clear financial picture of the estate.
- Estate Tax Work: We manage the tax obligations of the estate, including calculating the amount of income tax and capital gains tax due. Our goal is to maximise tax efficiency and ensure compliance with all relevant regulations.
- Estate Tax Returns: Each year an Estate tax return may be required which we can prepare. This will detail the income and gains made on the Estate assets. Tax will fall due on the Estate. We will prepare the tax computations and ensure the correct amount of tax is registered to HM Revenue and Customs.
- Executor Account Setup: We will open a unique client account specifically for Estate administration. We will pay any outstanding invoices and gifts named in the will using Estate funds as well as receiving money from the Estate on closure of the deceased’s accounts. Once all the assets of the Estate have been collected the residual balance will be distributed to the beneficiaries in accordance with the Will.
- Trust Registration: If this is required, we can handle the registration process with HMRC. This includes preparing and submitting all necessary documentation to ensure the trust is properly recognised and compliant with legal requirements.
The probate process involves a clear number of stages. The key stages in the process are as follows:
- Initial enquiry and fact finding meeting
- Sign engagement letters and commencement of professional relationship
- Obtaining details of the Estate at death as well as details of any gifts in the previous 7 years
- Submission of Inheritance Tax forms to HM Revenue and Customs
- Payment of Inheritance Tax
- Submission of papers to HM Courts and Tribunals Service for Probate
- Grant of Probate issued
- Distribution of Estate to individuals named in the will and beneficiaries
- Final tax compliance work and preparation of Estate accounts
Providing a timescale for the whole process is difficult as there are many factors which can lead to delays. Once the Inheritance tax is paid we expect to have the grant of probate within 16 weeks of submission.
To ensure a speedy and stress free process we encourage clients to provide us will all the required information promptly and in full so that we can submit the necessary paperwork to HM Revenue and Customs or HM Courts and Tribunals service as soon as possible.
If you have any questions on any of the above please contact us at enquiries@villars-hayward.co.uk