ACCA Advanced Taxation (ATX) Practice Exam

What defines a qualifying political party for IHT exemption purposes?

1. At least two MPs, or one MP and more than 100,000 votes

2. Greater than two MPs, or one MP and more than 150,000 votes

3. At least five MPs or significant public elections

4. One MP and financial backing from donations

The correct answer is: Greater than two MPs, or one MP and more than 150,000 votes

The correct answer highlights that a qualifying political party for inheritance tax (IHT) exemption purposes requires either having more than two MPs or having one MP alongside more than 150,000 votes. This definition is rooted in the legislative framework that governs political party funding and representation in the House of Commons, ensuring that the party has a certain level of influence and support within the political system. Having more than two MPs signifies that the party is established and has substantive representation, thereby engaging a broader electorate. Alternatively, the threshold of one MP with over 150,000 votes indicates that even if a party is smaller in terms of membership in Parliament, it still commands a notable level of public support in broader elections. This dual criterion acknowledges both parliamentary presence and electoral traction. The other options, while they include elements related to MPs or votes, do not align with the established thresholds defined by the appropriate tax regulations, thus making them unsuitable as criteria for political party qualification for IHT exemptions.