When someone owns a second property, especially one used as a buy-to-let, it can have a big impact on their inheritance tax (IHT) liability. Buy-to-let portfolios and other second homes are often included in the value of an estate, which means they could increase the amount of tax owed when passing wealth to heirs. Understanding […]

Leaving money to charity in a will can reduce the amount of inheritance tax an estate has to pay. Any gift made to a registered charity is exempt from inheritance tax, which lowers the overall taxable value of the estate. This means philanthropy can directly cut down the tax bill while supporting causes that matter. […]

A Mirror Will is a pair of Wills made by two people, usually spouses or partners, that contain similar or identical terms. They name each other as the main beneficiary and often include a plan for what happens if both die at the same time. This arrangement helps couples make sure their assets pass smoothly […]

Many people believe they are far from owing inheritance tax, but the truth is that more estates reach the threshold than expected. The current limit before inheritance tax applies is £325,000 per person, with additional allowances if passing on a home. This means a significant number of people may be closer to the tax threshold […]

Making the most of annual gifting allowances can help reduce inheritance tax and pass on wealth more efficiently. By using these allowances wisely, individuals can give gifts that are free from tax and protect their estate’s value for future generations. Understanding the rules and limits around tax-free gifts ensures no opportunity is wasted each year. […]

Inheritance tax (IHT) and pensions are often seen as separate parts of financial planning, but many overlook how crucial pensions can be in managing IHT. Pensions have long been a tax-efficient way to pass on wealth, but changes coming in 2027 mean retirees must rethink their strategies carefully. Understanding how pensions interact with inheritance tax […]

Passing on wealth to the next generation can be challenging if you want to keep control while ensuring your assets benefit your family. The key is careful planning that balances control with flexibility, using strategies like trusts, corporate structures, and estate planning tools. This helps protect your wealth and allows you to guide how it […]

Many families lose thousands of pounds due to common inheritance tax (IHT) mistakes that could easily be avoided. Understanding how tax liabilities on your estate work is key to protecting your assets and reducing the amount paid to HMRC. If you don’t plan carefully, rising inheritance tax receipts mean more of your estate could be […]

If you have a life insurance policy, you might wonder if putting it in trust is really worth it when thinking about inheritance tax. Placing your life insurance in trust can help your family avoid paying inheritance tax on the payout and speed up the process of receiving the money. This means your loved ones […]

Your family home is often the most valuable asset you own, but without proper planning, a large portion of it could go to inheritance tax when you pass away. You can protect your home by using legal strategies like gifting, making use of tax thresholds, and careful estate planning to reduce or avoid inheritance tax. […]

Using trusts to manage inheritance tax can help you keep more of your estate for your beneficiaries, but it’s important to understand what really works and what doesn’t in 2025. Trusts do not automatically mean your assets are free from inheritance tax, but they can offer ways to reduce the overall tax bill when set […]

If a Labour government takes office, your inheritance tax rules could change significantly. They plan to close loopholes like offshore trusts and overhaul the way tax applies to pensions within the estate. This means you may face new tax rules that affect how much you pass on to your loved ones. You should also be […]

If you are part of a blended family, planning for Inheritance Tax (IHT) can be more complex than you might expect. Without careful planning, you could unintentionally leave some family members with less than you intended or face higher tax bills. The key to effective IHT planning in blended families is to update your will […]

The 7-Year Rule is an important part of inheritance tax (IHT) that affects both anyone giving gifts and those receiving them. If you live for seven years after giving a gift, no inheritance tax is usually due on that gift, which can reduce your estate’s tax burden significantly. Understanding how this rule works can help […]

If you want to reduce the amount of inheritance tax your family has to pay, there are legal ways to do it. You can lower your inheritance tax bill by using strategies like gifting money during your lifetime, making use of your tax-free allowances, and passing property to your children or grandchildren. These methods help […]

If you own a business or part of one, you could be missing out on significant savings when it comes to Inheritance Tax. Business Relief offers the chance to reduce the taxable value of your estate by 50% or even 100% on qualifying business assets. This relief can make a big difference in how much […]

Setting up a joint Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) can seem like a smart way to share responsibility, but it often comes with hidden challenges. One of the most common pitfalls is the risk of disagreements between joint attorneys, which can cause delays and complicate decision-making. This can undermine the very purpose of having an […]

When appointing attorneys, you need to decide whether they should act jointly or jointly and severally. Choosing jointly means all attorneys must agree on every decision, while appointing them jointly and severally allows any one attorney to act independently. This choice affects how smoothly decisions are made and how flexible your arrangement will be. If […]

Updating your mirror will is important to make sure your wishes stay clear and relevant. You should review your mirror will every five years or after any major life event, such as marriage, divorce, or a change in your financial situation. This keeps your plans up to date and helps avoid any confusion or disputes […]

  When deciding between joint and separate LPAs (Lasting Powers of Attorney), it’s important to understand what suits your situation best. Joint LPAs are often best if you and your partner want to make decisions together at the same time, while separate LPAs give each of you independent control over your own affairs. The right […]