Inheritance Tax

Inheritance tax advice to protect what you leave

Inheritance tax can take a real share of what you pass on, but with planning much of it is often avoidable. We help you understand where you stand and put sensible steps in place, so more of your estate reaches the people you love.

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What inheritance tax actually is

Inheritance tax is a tax on the estate you leave behind: your property, money, investments and possessions, less anything you owe. It’s usually only due on the part of your estate above a set threshold.

A good deal of what you leave may pass free of tax, for example to a spouse or civil partner, and there are allowances and reliefs that can reduce the bill further. How much is due, and how much you can plan away, depends on your circumstances. This is where advise pays for itself.

Where we can help

Working out your position

Understanding whether your estate is likely to face inheritance tax, and roughly how much, so you can plan from a clear starting point.

Reducing the bill

Using the allowances, reliefs and gifting rules available to you, sensibly and within the law, to reduce what your estate may owe.

Providing for the bill

Where tax will still be due, arranging things such as life cover so your family is not left having to find the money.

How we work with you

Understanding your estate

We look at what you own, what you owe and what you want to pass on, so we can see whether inheritance tax is likely to be an issue for you.

Building the plan

We set out clear, practical steps to reduce the potential bill and provide for whatever remains, drawing on gifting, pensions, investments and protection.

Bringing in legal expertise where needed

Wills and trusts are legal work. Where you need them, we can introduce you to one of our partner firms, so the financial and legal sides fit together.

Things worth knowing about inheritance tax

There is a tax-free threshold

Estates are only taxed above a certain level. The threshold can change over time, so planning to the current position matters more than any old figure.
Spouses and civil partners

What passes between spouses or civil partners is usually free of inheritance tax, and allowances can often be passed on, which shapes how couples plan.
Gifting can reduce the bill

Giving away money or assets during your lifetime, within the rules, can lower what your estate owes. Timing and record keeping matter here.

FCA Authorised

And Regulated

Independent

Whole of market

Over 4,500 clients

Across the UK

FAQs

Questions people ask us

How much is inheritance tax?

Inheritance tax is charged only on the part of your estate above the tax-free threshold, not the whole estate. The rate, the threshold and the reliefs available can change over time, and everyone’s position is different, so we cannot give a guaranteed figure. What we can do is help you understand your likely position and plan sensibly around it.

What is the inheritance tax threshold?

It is the amount your estate can be worth before any inheritance tax is due. There can also be an additional allowance where a home is passed to direct descendants. Because these figures can change from year to year, we plan to the rules in force at the time rather than to an out of date number.

How can I avoid inheritance tax?

You cannot make a taxable estate simply disappear, but sensible, legitimate planning can reduce what is owed, sometimes significantly. Making the most of allowances, gifting within the rules, arranging pensions and investments well and using life cover to meet the bill are all recognised approaches. This is careful planning, not artificial avoidance schemes, and it is exactly what independent advice is for.

How much money can you gift?

You can give away a certain amount each year without it counting towards inheritance tax, and some regular gifts out of income can qualify too. Larger gifts can fall outside your estate provided you live for a set number of years afterwards. The allowances and time limits can change, so it is worth planning gifts with current advice rather than guesswork.

Are pensions subject to inheritance tax?

Until now, most unused pension funds have usually sat outside your estate for inheritance tax. That is changing. For deaths on or after 6 April 2027, most unused pension funds and pension death benefits will be brought into your estate and counted when inheritance tax is worked out. Death in service benefits from a registered scheme are not affected. If a good deal of your wealth is in your pension, it is worth reviewing your plans.

When should I start inheritance tax planning?

Usually earlier than people think. Several of the most effective steps, particularly gifting, work best when there is time for them to take effect. Planning ahead gives you far more options and far more control than leaving things until late.

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