Death duties hit one in four. By Dan Martin

Ten million homeowners are now liable for paying inheritance tax, new research reveals.

A report from Scottish Widows said the proportion of UK households facing death duties has risen to 41%, up from 34% last year.

Based on property alone, five million are liable to the 40% charge because their home is valued above the current £285,000 threshold. Another five million are hit when total household wealth is taken into account.

Despite the findings, Scottish Widows found public knowledge of IHT is limited.

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