Your Redundant Farm Building could be Restricting your Inheritance Tax Relief
Agricultural Property Relief (APR), if obtained, allows an individual to pass on agricultural property, either in their Will or during their lifetime, free of Inheritance Tax (IHT).
Business Property Relief (BPR) reduces the IHT payable on a wider class of qualifying business assets when they are left in a Will or passed on during lifetime.
In order to qualify for APR farm buildings must be occupied for the purposes of agriculture – derelict buildings will not qualify for the relief. Similarly, if the property has not been used wholly or mainly for business purposes in the two years prior to the transfer, BPR will not be secured.
It’s important for all Farmers to consider their exposure to IHT and if farm diversification is currently being pursued, i.e. alternative uses of agricultural land and buildings, then it’s wise to act sooner rather than later.
If you would like further advice on Inheritance Tax please contact Green & Co on 01633 871122.
Please note: This article is a commentary on general principles and should not be interpreted as advice for your specific situation.
