House Ownership vs IHT

[Jason123456]

My wife and I own our Residence as Tenant in Common.....if we were to include our two sons as part owners,..ie four owners each with 25% share,....if the sole purpose was to reduce future IHT that previously would normally be due.
I understand that if a rent is payed to my two sons to cover us living in a property that is part owned by them, some IHT can be avoided....is this correct?....and if so how would it be legally managed?

[AGoodman]

If you transferred a share to your sons, the share transferred could fall out of IHT in 7 years time (up until then it probably won't make any difference).

You would need to transfer the share and pay them a proportion of the full market rent equivalent to their share.

The position maybe better if they live with you but I presume not.

You could transfer the legal title or get a lawyer to draw up a deed of assignment to just assign the beneficial interest. You should make it clear in writing that the payments are rent and your sons would have to pay income tax on the rent.

Obviously there are costs (including income tax) and risks (sons' divorce or bankruptcy). Also, bear in mind that your sons will have to pay 18/28% CGT on the increase in the value of the property between the gift and any sale. If you died within 7 years, the position could be worse (IHT + CGT + income tax for the intervening period).

[Jason123456]

Thank you, AGoodman......most helpful!

[denaro]

Hi Jaon. what was the outcome