successierechten

Successierechten are taxes or duties levied on the transfer of assets as a result of a person’s death (succession) and, in some jurisdictions, on certain gifts made during life. They are generally payable by the beneficiaries of an estate—heirs or legatees—rather than by the deceased. The tax base is typically the net value of the inherited assets, sometimes after deductions for debts and costs, and the tax is calculated according to rates that usually increase with the value of the inheritance and vary by the beneficiary’s relationship to the deceased. Direct descendants and spouses often benefit from lower rates or higher exemptions than more distant relatives or unrelated parties.

Many countries regulate successierechten at national or regional level, resulting in notable differences in rates, brackets, and exemptions. Common features include allowances that reduce the taxable base (such as a personal basic exemption or a family residence exemption) and reliefs for specific assets (for example farms or small businesses) to support continuation of family enterprises. Some jurisdictions provide additional reliefs or exemptions for the surviving partner.

Compliance typically requires filing a declaration with the tax authority and paying the due tax within a prescribed period; penalties may apply for late or incorrect filings. Debates around successierechten often concern revenue needs, effects on intergenerational wealth transfer, and effectiveness of exemptions.

See also: inheritance tax, estate tax, gift tax, succession planning.