Change IHT rules to be payable only after probate has been granted

450
signatures
closedHM TreasuryOpened 20 August 2025Closed 20 February 2026

Background

We petition the Government to make Inheritance Tax payable only after probate is granted and when sufficient accessible cash is available within a deceased person’s estate to pay the IHT liability.

Additional details

Under current rules, Executors cannot generally be granted probate until inheritance tax is paid, and before they can legally access and sell estate assets, which we think creates inequitable financial pressure. We urge a fairer, more practical approach to estate administration and the payment of IHT.

Where it’s popular

Constituencies with the most signatures on this petition.

Source: UK Government & Parliament Petitions service. Petition ID: 736106.