Why this article exists
Gifts before death and trust-linked value can change both tax due and filing route.
If these are incomplete, IHT readiness can look correct when it is not.
Gifts and trusts workflow in Estate Suite
- In IHT, capture each relevant gift with date, recipient, value, and evidence source.
- Record any trust-linked value attributable to the deceased with trust context.
- Upload supporting evidence in Documents and link it to the tax entry.
- Mark uncertain entries clearly as draft and set follow-up tasks.
- Recheck filing basis after each major gifts/trusts update.
Minimum evidence set
- transfer records or account evidence
- trust documents or trustee correspondence
- valuation support where the value is not obvious
Common mistakes to avoid
- Treating gifts as optional when they affect lookback rules
- Saving trust entries as one-line amounts with no context
- Leaving draft values unchanged before filing
FAQ
Do smaller gifts still need to be reviewed?
Yes. You need enough detail to justify any exemption position used.
Can gifts and trusts be completed after form generation?
They should be captured before final filing decisions, otherwise you risk rework and incorrect schedules.