03/06/2026
What is the Nil Rate Band?
The Nil Rate Band (NRB) is one of the most important inheritance tax allowances in the UK.
In simple terms, it’s the amount that can usually be passed on before inheritance tax becomes payable.
The current Nil Rate Band is £325,000 per person. Anything above your available allowances may be subject to inheritance tax, currently charged at 40%.
For married couples and civil partners, any unused Nil Rate Band can usually be transferred to the surviving spouse or civil partner. This means a couple could potentially benefit from a combined Nil Rate Band of up to £650,000.
What many people don’t realise is that the Nil Rate Band has remained at £325,000 since April 2009 and is currently due to remain frozen until April 2030.
Whilst the allowance has stayed the same, property values, investments and other assets have generally increased over that time. As a result, more families are finding that inheritance tax has become a consideration when it may not have been previously.
The Nil Rate Band is only one part of the inheritance tax picture, but understanding the allowances available is often the first step in effective estate planning.
Before today, did you know the £325,000 allowance has been unchanged for over 17 years?