CGT on investment bond when the bond holder has passed away

We have been issued with a chargeable event certificate for the investment bond following the death of the bond holder. From what I understand the amount of gain should be included in a personal tax return for the deceased along with their income for that tax year. A few questions: Do HMRC contact us in order to complete the tax return or do we have to contact you? Note the deceased did not usually complete a tax return and was a basic rate tax payer but the gain may take them over the threshold. Are we able to use top slicing in these circumstances (the certificate states the gain has been over 15 years)? Is the payment of the investment bond also subject to inheritance tax?

Hi,
You would need to contact HMRC.
If higher rate tax then applies, top slicing relief will be applied automatically in the calculation.
The bond itself would form part of the deceased's estate and if the total estate income is below £325000 then no IHT is due.
Thank you.

You need to contact HMRC to inform them of the deceased's tax return, as they don't automatically reach out for this. Yes, top slicing can be used for a gain over 15 years. The investment bond may be subject to inheritance tax, depending on the deceased's estate and the value of the bond.