Non-resident US IRA beneficiary account and UK probate

My auntie passed away and spent her working life in the US before retiring in the UK. She has a UK will, where the money is shared between me and my brother, that includes a property and UK bank accounts. She also has a US investment retirement account where I was named sole beneficiary. I need to open a non-resident beneficiary IRA account to collect it. My UK solicitor is saying they can't apply for probate until they know if this pension should be classed as part of the estate for UK probate purposes. Aside from why I have to work it out for them...her accountant in the US said me being named on the IRA isn't part of a will, it sounds like you just had to name somebody. So I'm leaning towards saying this pension should not be included as part of probate. I'll have to pay taxes somewhere but it won't be through probate? If anyone has been in the same position, please let me know!

Hi LMHunter

You would need to check this with the Inheritance Tax Office on 0300 123 1072 

Thank you