The nil rate band is the threshold below which an estate pays no inheritance tax. For 2026-27 it is 325,000 GBP (HMRC), frozen at that level, and the part of an estate above it is generally taxed at 40% unless other reliefs apply.
In one line: The nil rate band is the inheritance tax-free threshold, set at 325,000 GBP for 2026-27.
How the nil rate band works
Every estate has a nil rate band applied before inheritance tax is calculated. Value passing to a spouse or civil partner is usually exempt, and assets above the band are taxed at 40% on death.
Consider an estate of 500,000 GBP with no other reliefs. The first 325,000 GBP (HMRC) for 2026-27 is taxed at 0%, leaving 175,000 GBP taxed at 40%, producing an inheritance tax bill of around 70,000 GBP.
An unused nil rate band can transfer to a surviving spouse or civil partner, potentially giving the second estate up to two bands. This transferable band is claimed when the second person dies.
Nil rate band vs residence nil rate band
The nil rate band applies to any estate regardless of what it contains. The residence nil rate band is a separate additional threshold that applies only when a home passes to direct descendants.
The two stack, so an estate can use both. The residence band is subject to a taper above a 2 million GBP estate, while the basic nil rate band is not reduced in that way.
Primary source: GOV.UK: Inheritance Tax thresholds