Inheritance Tax

person holding pencil near laptop computer
Type: Vocabulary
Originally published on September 20, 2020 and last updated on February 4, 2023

When a family member dies it is always a difficult time for the rest of the family. It is very common for parents to want to leave their money and possessions to their children or other relatives, which is called inheritance. In many countries this inheritance is subject to tax where the government claim a percentage of the value of any possessions that are inherited. It is often debated whether there should even be an inheritance tax, with some people suggesting that the person who died had already paid tax on the money or possessions that are inherited.

Instructions:
Go through the vocabulary below with your students and ask them to try and use this vocabaulry where possible when discussing the different conversation questions.

Useful Vocabulary

Try and use the following vocabulary when answering the question. Click to look up the definition in the dictionary

  • inheritance (noun)
  • inherit (verb)
  • death (noun)
  • dead (adjective)
  • die (verb)
  • tax (noun)
  • allowance (noun)

Conversation Questions

  • Should people have to pay inheritance tax?
  • Do you know if people have to pay inheritance tax in your country?
  • Do you think it is fair that people should be made to pay this tax?
  • If people have to pay an inheritance tax, what do you think is a fair value? Should there be a tax-free allowance?
Gregory
This conversation topic was prepared by Gregory

Gregory is a qualified TEFL teacher who has been teaching English as a Foreign Language (ESL) for over a decade. He has taught in-person classes in Spain and to English learners around the world online.