Inheritance tax ‘is one of UK’s most unpopular charges’

Posted 08/04/2010

The respondents to a survey on government levies have voted inheritance tax among the most unpopular charges.

MSN Money carried out the poll, which asked more than 150,000 people to decide which tax they think is the most unfair.

Fuel duty came out top, but inheritance tax was third and stamp duty was seventh, suggesting that property charges are a big bugbear for British citizens struggling with the after-effects of the recession.

Earlier this month, it was revealed that people are attempting to avoid saddling their loved ones with inheritance tax bills by gifting them money or property before they die, a trend highlighted by Aviva Insurance.

The company found that more people are now opting to do this rather than leave their assets in a traditional Will.

Currently, any bequest above £350,000 is subject to the charges.

Meanwhile, Alistair Darling has pledged to raise the stamp duty threshold for first-time property buyers in order to benefit the housing market.