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Recent press reports confirm that HMRC is taking a closer look at inheritance tax returns. This means more families and executors may be asked to explain the values, assets, gifts or reliefs included in an estate’s inheritance tax account.  These investigations can result in an adjustment of the tax calculated.  If more tax is due, interest will be applied on the figure owing (backdated to 6 months from date of death and currently at a rate of 8%). Sometimes this is limited to investigating the value of an asset (for example a property) but sometimes it will be wider more involved investigation of assets and reliefs.  In our experience, investigations normally arise in more complex estates where there may be complicated trust situations, significant lifetime gifting or a claim for reliefs such as agricultural or business property relief.    However, we have seen a rise in HMRC investigations for more straight forward estates – typically reviewing the value claimed of a particular asset (usually a property). The Times report that there was a 41% increase in IHT investigations during 2025 – 2026, and the Telegraph confirmed that around 770 investigations were launched over the last 12 months. Since the nil rate band tax threshold (£325,000) has been frozen since 2009 (and will remain frozen until at least April 2031), the impact of fiscal drag has and will continue to expose more families to taxation.  The Telegraph reported that of the estates investigated, around 40% faced an adjusted inheritance tax bill. This makes it more important than ever for families to seek appropriate professional advice when dealing with estates which are or may be subject to inheritance tax.  The inheritance tax rules are complex and confusing and calculations can be involved.  Mistakes (even entirely innocent mistakes) can result in a family paying more tax than necessary – either through failing to claim appropriate reliefs correctly or failing to calculate tax correctly resulting in costly adjustments and interest following investigation. Our expert team at Maitland Walker are here to help – to ensure that estates are correctly reported to HMRC and to help minimise exposure to tax or to interest following later adjustments. Contact private.client@maitlandwalker.com to discuss matters in more detail.