An outright gift is the most straightforward type of gift. It simply involves the outright transfer of property from one person to another with no conditions attached.

This type of gift is most suitable for clients who want to pass over modest amounts, or give to responsible and capable adults whom they trust to take the property as their own, to do with as they wish.

Outright gifts are less suitable for children and vulnerable people, or for assets over which the client wishes to retain some control. In those cases, a gift into trust will be more appropriate than an outright gift. However, trusts come at a cost and with an administrative burden. Therefore, outright gifts are extremely common. See the Why people use trusts guidance note for an introduction to the trusts regime.

This guidance note focuses on inheritance tax (IHT), but other taxes are mentioned briefly for completeness.