IHTM30353 - Rates of interest: the higher and lower rates before 16 December 1986

In the period prior to 16 December 1986 there were two rates of interest:

The lower interest rate (the death rate), was appropriate for:

  • transfers on death
  • potentially exempt transfers (failed PETs (IHTM04057))
  • tax charged under the gifts with reservation (IHTM04071) provisions (treated either as part of the transfer on death or as potentially exempt transfers (failed PETs))
  • the Additional Charges (IHTM14571) on an immediately chargeable transfer when the transferor dies within seven years of the transfer
  • any tax for which, by virtue of IHTA84/S206, only a political party was liable
  • any additional tax payable when the settlor dies after an occasion of charge under Chapter III Part III
  • tax repayable under IHTA84/S147 (2)

The higher rate was charged in any other case. The higher rate was expressly applied by IHTA84/S236 (3) to tax repayable on a claim under IHTA84/S146 (2) (which concerns Orders under IHTA84/S10 Inheritance (PFD) Act 1975) and IHTA84/S150 (voidable transfers (IHTM14890)). The higher rate was also expressly applied, by IHTA84/S236 (4), to tax charged by virtue of IHTA84/S147 (4) (legitim (IHTM35211)).

Seek advice from Technical if you need details of these statutory rates.