Are you missing out on a little-known Inheritance Tax relief on regular gifts?

Nearly three-quarters unaware that surplus income gifts can be immediately exempt 

Nearly three quarters of UK adults (72%) do not realise that money regularly gifted from spare or excess income is immediately exempt from Inheritance Tax (IHT) calculations, according to new research[1]. This lack of awareness means many households may already be making qualifying gifts without understanding the potential tax advantages available to them.

According to the data, nearly a third (31%) of gifts made by over-55s in the past seven years were funded from surplus or spare regular income – suggesting many may already be using this valuable exemption without understanding it or keeping the records HMRC requires. The ‘normal expenditure out of income’ rule remains one of the lesser-known IHT exemptions and a way families can pass on wealth efficiently during their lifetime.

A hidden relief most families overlook

With Inheritance Tax rules set to change from April 2027, more families are expected to fall within the IHT net and may be seeking strategies to manage potential liabilities. Against this backdrop, awareness of legitimate exemptions is increasingly important for long-term estate planning.

For those fortunate enough to have surplus regular income that is not needed to cover everyday living costs, a practical option is to gift that excess income to loved ones on a recurring basis. Under HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) ‘normal expenditure out of income’ rules, any gifts that qualify as regular payments from surplus income are immediately exempt from IHT, without the need to survive seven years after making the gift, unlike many other gifting strategies.

Understanding the rules that apply

However, the exemption is relatively unknown and often underused because it is subject to several strict conditions. The donor, or their executors after death, must demonstrate that all requirements are met. Without adequate documentation, HMRC may treat the gifts as potentially taxable.

In simple terms, gifts must meet three key conditions to qualify. Firstly, they must come from income, not capital. This means they should be funded by net income, such as pension payments, interest, dividends or rental income after tax, rather than from savings or investments.

Keeping gifts consistent and sustainable

Secondly, the gifts must follow a regular pattern. Consistency is essential, so payments should be habitual and made on a predictable basis, such as a monthly transfer or an annual gift at Christmas or on birthdays. One-off payments are unlikely to qualify for the exemption.

Thirdly, the gifts must not compromise your standard of living. If making the payments requires dipping into savings to cover essential expenses, the exemption would not apply. HMRC expects the donor to be able to afford the gifts without affecting their financial wellbeing.

Building a practical gifting strategy

For those considering a structured approach, the first step is to assess income and expenditure. This involves totalling all sources of net income, including pensions, dividends, interest and rental income, and comparing them with regular outgoings. The difference represents potential surplus income that could be gifted in a tax-efficient manner.

Once an amount has been identified, making it regular is crucial. Setting up automated payments, such as a standing order, can help demonstrate a consistent pattern of gifting. Many advisers also recommend providing supporting documentation, such as a letter confirming the intention behind the payments, to strengthen the evidence base if HMRC ever reviews the arrangement.

Record keeping and professional guidance

Because claims for the ‘normal expenditure out of income’ exemption are usually made after death, robust record keeping is essential. HMRC form IHT403 provides a schedule for documenting qualifying gifts, and maintaining bank statements, correspondence and a clear record of payments can significantly ease the administrative burden for executors.

Given the complexity of Inheritance Tax rules, seeking professional financial advice is essential. We can help you assess whether this exemption is suitable, ensure all conditions are met and support the creation of a compliant, sustainable gifting plan tailored to your circumstances.

Time to review your Inheritance Tax planning strategy?

If you would like further information on how the ‘normal expenditure out of income’ exemption works, or support in reviewing your Inheritance Tax planning strategy, please contact us. We’ll ensure your gifting approach is correctly structured, fully compliant with HMRC rules and aligned with your broader financial goals.

Source data:

[1] Research conducted for Canada Life among a nationally representative sample of 2,000 UK adults from 17 to 20 February 2026.

THIS ARTICLE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE TAX, LEGAL OR FINANCIAL ADVICE AND SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON AS SUCH. ESTATE AND TAX PLANNING ARE NOT REGULATED BY THE FINANCIAL CONDUCT AUTHORITY. FOR GUIDANCE, SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE.