According to Revenue & Customs Brief No 25/08, HMRC have started a trial of a further extension of the non-statutory clearances provided to business owners in the area of inheritance tax business property relief.

From 1 May 2008, for a trial period of six months, clearances will be provided to business owners on the availability of inheritance tax business property relief (IHT-BPR) where there is material uncertainty over the interpretation of the law.

For inheritance tax legislation older than the last four Finance Acts, there is a further requirement that the uncertainty relates to a commercially significant issue.

HMRC aim to respond to clearance applications within 28 calendar days, though in complex cases this may take longer.

For further information please see http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/briefs/inheritance-tax/brief2508.htm