WEAKEST LINK IS TAXES FOR ANNE
TV winker Robinson, worth €58m, has ‘gifted’ her fortune to family to avoid death duty
BY MARK JEFFERIES Showbiz Editor
ANNE Robinson has revealed she has given her €58million fortune to relatives to avoid paying tax on it after she dies.
The former Weakest Link host said it has been split between her daughter and grandchildren. It means they will avoid having to pay around €23m in Inheritance Tax, which could have gone to the NHS, schools and other public services.
Asked about reports she was worth a reported €58m, Anne – who has been dating Queen Camilla’s ex-husband Andrew Parker Bowles – replied: “I have no idea. I don’t want for much. I can’t think there’s anything I really want except my good health and the family happiness. I’ve given it all away. I don’t want the taxman to have it.
“I’ve spread it about a lot, to the children. They may as well enjoy it.” Anne revealed her giveaway to Saga magazine, which she is joining as an agony aunt.
Inheritance tax is charged at 40% on a person’s estate over the value of €380,000. There are exemptions, such as when passing on property.
Many people choose to reduce the amount they pay by giving away wealth to relatives while still alive.
No tax is due on any gifts if you live for seven years after giving them, unless they are part of a trust.
If you die within that time and there is Inheritance Tax to pay on it, the amount due after your death depends on when you gave it.
Anne has one daughter Emma Wilson, 43, from her first marriage as well as grandchildren Hudson, 14, and Parker, 13.
She amassed her fortune from successful spells on BBC shows such as The Weakest Link, Watchdog and Points of View.
Anne may have given her cash away, but still owns a converted 18th-century barn in the Cotswolds and two New York homes.