How much can I gift tax-free in the UK?
Last reviewed:
In short: £3,000 a year (the annual exemption), plus unlimited £250 small gifts to different people, plus wedding gifts up to £5,000 to a child / £2,500 to a grandchild / £1,000 to anyone else. Larger gifts become exempt after 7 years (the '7-year rule').
Inheritance Tax (IHT) is charged on what you leave at death and on certain gifts in the 7 years before death. The annual exemption (£3,000) and small-gifts exemption (£250 per recipient) can be used together, and the £3,000 can be carried forward one year if unused.
Wedding or civil-partnership gifts are exempt up to £5,000 from a parent, £2,500 from a grandparent or great-grandparent, £2,500 between the couple, or £1,000 from anyone else. The gift must be made before (not after) the ceremony.
Larger lifetime gifts are 'potentially exempt transfers' (PETs). If you survive 7 years from the date of the gift, it is fully outside your estate. If you die within 7 years, IHT may apply with taper relief reducing the charge from year 3 onwards.
Primary source: gov.uk/inheritance-tax/gifts