Perintövero (Inheritance Tax)
Finnish inheritance tax applied to estates and gifts, with rates depending on the relationship to the deceased.
A tax levied on inherited property and gifts in Finland, with rates varying based on the value and the heir's relationship to the deceased.
What it means
Perintövero is the Finnish inheritance and gift tax, administered by the Tax Administration (Vero). When someone dies, their estate is subject to inheritance tax, and the heirs are responsible for paying it. The tax rate depends on the value of the inheritance and the relationship between the heir and the deceased. Finland divides heirs into two tax classes: Class I includes close relatives (spouse, children, parents), and Class II covers all others. Gifts are taxed under a similar system if the value from the same giver reaches 7,500 euros within a three-year period.
Why it matters for internationals
If you are a tax resident of Finland and receive an inheritance from anywhere in the world, it may be subject to Finnish inheritance tax. Similarly, if a Finnish tax resident passes away, their worldwide assets are taxable in Finland regardless of where the heirs live. This can create complex situations for internationals with assets or family in multiple countries. Finland has limited double taxation treaties specifically for inheritance tax, so professional advice is recommended for cross-border estate planning.
Key details
- Class I rates: Close relatives pay 7-19% on inheritances of 30,000 euros or more
- Class II rates: Other heirs pay 19-33% on inheritances of 30,000 euros or more
- Tax-free threshold: Inheritances under 30,000 euros are exempt from tax (deaths from 1 January 2026)
- Gift tax: Gifts from the same giver worth 7,500 euros or more within a three-year period are taxable at similar rates (from 2026)
- Estate inventory: There is no separate inheritance tax return; an estate inventory (perukirjoitus) must be completed within three months of the death, and Vero issues the tax decision
Related terms
- Tuloveroprosentti: income tax rate
- Kiinteistövero: property tax on real estate
- Verotoimisto: tax office for filing inheritance tax returns