How to plan for inheritance tax?
If your assets exceed £325,000 (including gifts made during the last 7 years), the remainder of your estate could be subject to 40% inheritance tax.
It is important to evaluate all of your options and ensure that the plan you have will be effective and recognised by HMRC. The best way to ensure this is to gain professional advice.
If you received professional advice a long time ago it is often worth reviewing your arrangements to ensure the tax strategy you have in place is still appropriate for your current circumstances and future plans. An ideal time to assess your tax planning arrangements is at the end of each tax year or if there has been a substantial change to your financial position.
Residence Nil Rate Band (RNRB)
More people are becoming affected by inheritance tax as property prices increase. In response to this the government introduced an additional threshold known as the Residence Nil Rate Band.
Find out how the Residence Nil Rate Band Works here
Lifetime Gifts
Small gifts made from your normal income, such as Christmas or birthday presents, are usually “exempt” from inheritance tax. However, the recipients of gifts will be charged inheritance tax if you give away more than £325,000 in the 7 years before your death.
Find out more about lifetime gifts here
Where there's a Will ...
Too many people put off making a will until it is too late. With our detailed knowledge of tax planning, we are able to liaise with legal professionals to ensure that your will is written effectively to protect your assets and save inheritance tax.
Please see our guide to how to plan and make a legally valid will.
Imminent Changes
Business Property Relief - at present, it is possible to claim up to 100% relief from inheritance tax in any trading business or shares in a private trading company that you own. As from 6 April 2026, this maximum 100% relief will be limited to the first £1 million with only 50% available over that.
Pensions - for now, pensions are usually outside of your estate for inheritance tax purposes. However, as from 6 April 2027, death benefit from a pension scheme will form part of the estate potentially costing your beneficiaries up to 100% of any lump sum they will otherwise be entitled to - benefits inherited by spouses will continue to be exempt under the normal spouse exemption rules, but this will affect beneficiaries such as children or unmarried partners.
If you would like to discuss the best way of arranging your family finances for the long-term please contact Duncan Gardner or Paula Parry or call us on 023 9248 4356.