Inheritance Tax in Scotland Explained: Rates, Exemptions, Who Pays, and How to Reduce IHT

Inheritance tax in Scotland is charged at 40% on estates above the UK inheritance tax threshold, even though Scotland has its own legal system.

For foreigners, expats, residents, and non-residents, the amount of IHT owed is determined by UK domicile status, the value of Scottish assets, and how the estate is structured.

This article covers:

• How much can I inherit tax free in Scotland?
• What is the inheritance tax in Scotland?
• Who is liable for inheritance tax?
• Are there any exemptions to inheritance tax in Scotland?

Key Takeaways:

• Scotland follows UK inheritance tax rates and thresholds.
• Estates above £325,000 may face a 40% inheritance tax charge.
• Domicile status determines whether worldwide assets are taxed.
• Scottish inheritance laws can override parts of a will.

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The information in this article is for general guidance only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice, and is not a recommendation or solicitation to invest. Some facts may have changed since the time of writing.

What are the rules for inheritance tax in Scotland?

Inheritance tax applies to Scottish estates based on the deceased’s domicile status and whether they owned UK-situated assets.

Although Scotland has its own legal system, inheritance tax in Scotland follows UK inheritance tax law, meaning the same thresholds, exemptions, and rates apply across England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland.

However, Scotland has its own succession laws, which determine how assets are distributed after death, and this distinction is critical for expats.

Inheritance tax is generally charged when:

• The deceased was UK-domiciled, regardless of where assets are located, or
• The deceased was not UK-domiciled but owned UK-situated assets, such as Scottish property

Inheritance tax is assessed on the estate as a whole, not on individual inheritances received by beneficiaries.

What is the inheritance tax rate in Scotland?

The inheritance tax rate in Scotland is 40% on the value of the estate above the available tax-free thresholds.

The standard rules are:

• 0% on the portion of the estate within the tax-free allowance
• 40% on the value above the allowance

A reduced rate of 36% may apply if at least 10% of the taxable estate is left to registered charities.

For expats and non-residents, the rate itself does not change, but domicile status can significantly affect how much of the estate is taxable.

How much can you inherit in Scotland without paying taxes?

The standard inheritance tax threshold is £325,000, known as the nil-rate band. In addition, a residence nil-rate band of up to £175,000 may apply when a main home is passed to direct descendants, such as children or grandchildren.

This means that, in some cases, up to £500,000 can be passed on tax-free.

For married couples and civil partners, unused allowances can be transferred, potentially allowing up to £1 million to be passed on without inheritance tax.

For expats, these allowances still apply, but only if UK inheritance tax applies to the estate in the first place.

Who pays inheritance tax in Scotland?

Do you pay Capital Gains Tax on inherited property in Scotland?

Capital Gains Tax is not payable at the point of inheritance in Scotland. However, CGT may apply later if the beneficiary sells the inherited property and it has increased in value since the date of death.

When someone dies:

• Assets are rebased to their market value at death
• No Capital Gains Tax is charged on the transfer

For non-resident beneficiaries, UK Capital Gains Tax may still apply when selling UK property, even if they live abroad.

How do I avoid inheritance tax in Scotland?

Inheritance tax in Scotland can only be avoided by falling within available exemptions or reducing the taxable value of the estate through lawful estate planning.

Common strategies include:

• Making lifetime gifts and surviving the required period
• Using spouse or civil partner exemptions
• Leaving assets to charity
• Structuring wills carefully to align with Scottish legal rights
• Reviewing domicile status for long-term expats

While IHT cannot always be avoided entirely, it can often be reduced or mitigated with proper planning.

For internationally mobile families, poor coordination between UK and overseas estate plans is one of the biggest causes of unnecessary inheritance tax exposure.

What happens if you don’t pay inheritance tax in Scotland?

Failure to pay Scottish Inheritance Tax can result in interest charges, financial penalties, and delays to probate.

If not paid on time, HMRC may:

• Charge interest on unpaid tax
• Impose penalties
• Delay probate, preventing asset distribution

Executors can become personally liable if they distribute assets before settling the inheritance tax bill.

For estates involving foreign assets or beneficiaries, delays are common, making early planning and liquidity particularly important.

What is the 7 year rule in Scotland?

The 7 year rule in Scotland means that lifetime gifts are only exempt from inheritance tax if the donor survives for seven years after making the gift.

The rule refers to UK inheritance tax rules on lifetime gifts and applies equally in Scotland and the rest of the UK.

If death occurs within seven years:

• Taper relief may reduce the tax due after three years
• Full inheritance tax may apply if death occurs sooner

This rule also applies to expats who remain UK-domiciled.

How long do you have to pay Inheritance Tax after?

Inheritance tax is usually due within six months of the end of the month in which the death occurred.

In some cases, inheritance tax on property can be paid in installments, but interest still applies.

Inheritance Tax in Scotland vs England

Inheritance tax in Scotland and England is calculated using the same UK tax rates and thresholds, but Scottish succession law can materially change who receives assets and how effectively tax planning works.

In England, individuals generally have broad freedom to distribute their estate through a will.

In Scotland, however, legal rights give spouses, civil partners, and children automatic claims over moveable assets, regardless of what the will states.

This means that estate planning strategies commonly used in England such as concentrating assets in discretionary trusts or favoring certain beneficiaries, may be partially overridden in Scotland.

For inheritance tax planning, this distinction matters because forced distributions can reduce flexibility, affect charitable giving strategies, and complicate the use of trusts intended to mitigate IHT.

For expats with Scottish assets, the mismatch between UK tax rules and Scottish succession law often leads to outcomes that are legally correct but financially inefficient.

Understanding this interaction is essential not just for reducing inheritance tax in Scotland, but for ensuring the estate passes as intended.

Conclusion

Inheritance tax in Scotland follows UK tax law, but Scottish succession rules create unique challenges for expats and international families.

While the tax rate and thresholds are familiar, issues such as domicile, forced inheritance rules, and cross-border assets often complicate matters.

For foreigners owning Scottish property or expats with ties to multiple countries, inheritance tax exposure should be reviewed as part of a broader international estate plan rather than in isolation.

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