However, the government website has warned individuals not to use the 15-digit number from the online Inheritance Tax service in order to report the value of an estate. Once a payment

reference number is received, the bill can be met in two main ways. A person may choose to pay from their own bank account, and in this instance can do so through online or telephone banking

or through a bank or building society in person. Alternatively, the bill can also be paid from accounts owned by the deceased, which include NS&I accounts - backed by the government -

or government stock.