You've inherited some investments. Now what?
Important information - please keep in mind that the value of investments can go down as well as up, so you may get back less than you invest. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and all tax rules may change in the future.
Inheriting investments
If you've inherited some investments, here are some things you will need to know. If you'd like to talk to someone to help you decide what to do with your inheritance, financial advice might be for you. Call us on 0800 058 4443.
Here's what we'll cover
The executor will have had to go through a number of complex stages before the bequeathed investments become yours. The executor will have to:
- Write or call you to tell you that someone has left some investments to you in their will after they've died.
- Show the provider (the company where the investments are held) that they're authorised to deal with the deceased's estate. This is called obtaining probate. It’s very important the executor gets this, as without it you can't receive anything that's been left to you in the will.
- Tell you that proof of probate has been received. This means the ownership of investments is transferred to you and you can then decide what you want to do with them.
Stay invested
Buy, sell or switch your investments
Transfer your investments
Cash them in
What about pensions?
Although loved ones can leave you their pensions, they sit outside of your estate. If you’d like to know more about inheriting pensions, we can help you understand the basics.
If you've inherited a large portfolio of investments it might feel overwhelming - especially if investing is new to you. If you're not sure what to do, why not talk to a financial adviser? An initial call is free and there's no obligation to go down the financial advice route if you don't feel it's right for you.
Investments and tax
By the time you've received your inherited investments, any inheritance tax (IHT) owed on them will have been paid. You can learn more about IHT by clicking on the link below. It's a particularly complicated topic, so if you're in any doubt, please contact a professional to understand more about your personal situation.
How we can help
Deciding what to do with an inherited portfolio isn't easy. If you want more of a personal recommendation, our financial advisers can help. Equally, you can invest with help from our online guidance and tools. The choice is yours.
I'm thinking about taking financial advice
I want to open or transfer an account
I want to know which account is best for me
I want to choose investments
Important information: please note that this information and our guidance tools are not a personal recommendation in respect of a particular investment. If you need additional help, please speak to an authorised financial adviser. You should regularly reassess the suitability of your investments to ensure they continue to meet your attitude to risk and investment goals.
