Avoiding Inheritance Tax
We specialise in Inheritance Tax strategies and have been recognised for our work through various awards, such as Money Management Inheritance Tax Planner of the Year 2010. We regularly run Inheritance Tax seminars to assist clients with their understanding of inheritance tax, assess how much their potential tax bill would be and offer solutions to mitigate this where possible.
2010
WINNER: INHERITANCE TAX PLANNER OF THE YEAR
It seems a long time ago that Inheritance Tax (IHT) was forecast to largely disappear due to the Conservative Party announcement in 2007 and election promises in 2010 and 2015. However, with the state of the economy, the Conservatives failed to abolish it, instead making concessions for married couples who owned a main property worth up to £1,000,000, or people who had Individual Saving Accounts (ISAs). This has been re-confirmed since the election of the government in April 2015.
IHT rules changed previously in October 2007, which we and our clients welcomed; the Chancellor allowed spouses and civil partners to utilise unused allowances from the death of the first partner in the planning for (and at the time of) the second death. The rules are extremely complex and you should contact us for further information on this aspect, especially if you are already a widow / widower who may benefit from this.
With the additional changes in 2015 to pensions, ISA’s and being able to incoproate a main residence then there is more of an incentive, not less, to ensure your planning is up to date and taking full account of all the various benefits.
Inheritance Tax is levied currently on any individuals who are not making an inter-spousal transfer. The first band of IHT is taxed at 0% (Nil Rate Band). All transfers above the Nil Rate Band are taxed at 40%. The Nil Rate Band is currently £325,000.
There are many lifetime allowances and gift exemptions that can be utilised by an individual. There is also a range of ways in which to mitigate or reduce any tax liability, although the Exchequer is continually cutting back on methods that specialists like ourselves utilise. However, what they have taken away with one hand, they have given more with the other. Pensions have become a fantastic planning tool for succession planning and inheritance tax avoidance.
Even if you have an existing arrangement you should certainly consider reviewing it in light of the many changes over recent years.
Many factors need to be taken into account when considering an inheritance planning solution. If a client were given illegal or incorrect advice then their family may be liable to a substantial tax bill, so it is extremely important to ensure professional and appropriate advice is taken from an independent and fully qualified individual.
Please note that tax planning is not covered by regulation and does not come under the FCA, although of course, any investment advice will do.
How can we help?
We are specialists who at any one time are working with other specialists to help our clients. We provide newsletters and bulletins but we are not a free service. We offer a range of free to attend seminars – for more information please contact us.
When should I review my Inheritance Tax situation?
If you believe your family would have to pay an Estate Tax bill then it is worthwhile reviewing the situation as soon as possible. You may not need to action immediately but t at least you would be aware of the most tax efficient methods of saving money. For example you should begin using your annual and gift allowances where possible because you can only carry forward one years annual allowance, all others would be lost.
Always seek professional advice to ensure they are not using the most cost efficient method of Inheritance Tax planning.