In 2019, the State collected 116 million euros in inheritance tax; however, just 3% of the total was paid by the direct family of those who died - that is to say, the surviving spouse, parents, or children of the deceased.
In 47% of the cases, the inheritance tax was paid by distant relatives, or organisations and individuals not related to the deceased, but who benefited from an inheritance.
The above data was supplied by Minister of Finance Pierre Gramegna in response to a parliamentary question by ADR MP Roy Reding. Gramegna explained that charities which receive an inheritance must pay duties of up to 4% of the inherited amount.
By virtue of specific provisions of the law of 1920, certain organisations are exempt from inheritance tax. These include foundations that award scholarships to universities and public educational institutions.
