potentially exempt transfer

A gift from one person to another which is not liable to inheritance tax provided the person making the gift lives for at least seven years after the transfer is made. If he/she dies before seven years elapse, tax will be payable, the amount being related to the number of years following the transfer prior to death according to the table below.

• Transfer up to 3 years before death: 100% of gift
• Transfer 3 to 4 years before death: 80% of gift
• Transfer 4 to 5 years before death: 60% of gift
• Transfer 5 to 6 years before death: 40% of gift
• Transfer 6 to 7 years before death: 20% of gift

The tax payable is normally charged to the recipient of the gift but in some circumstances it may revert to the donor's estate.