Could you save tax by making a Deed of Variation?
After someone dies, the beneficiaries may find that the way an estate has been distributed does not reflect their wishes or the family’s circumstances. A Deed of Variation can allow beneficiaries to
IHT – gifts made with reservation of benefits
Most lifetime gifts are treated as potentially exempt transfers (PETs) for Inheritance Tax (IHT) purposes. In general, these gifts become fully exempt if the donor survives for seven years after
Tax-free gifts for Inheritance Tax purposes
Making gifts during your lifetime can be an effective way to reduce the value of your estate for Inheritance Tax (IHT) purposes.
One of the most commonly used exemptions is the annual exemption. This
Settlor retains interest in settled property
The settlements legislation is designed to ensure that where a settlor retains an interest in settled property, the income arising is treated as the settlor’s income for all tax purposes. A settlor
The 7-year gift rule is still available
The 7-year gift rule is still an available option for those making lifetime gifts, offering a way to potentially reduce Inheritance Tax (IHT) liability. Most gifts made during a person’s lifetime are
Tax on inherited property, money or shares
As a general rule, someone who inherits property, money or shares is not liable to pay tax on the inheritance itself. This is because any Inheritance Tax (IHT) due is normally paid out of the
Changes to Agricultural and Business Property Relief reforms
The government recently announced significant changes to the planned reforms to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR). The threshold for 100% relief will be increased
IHT treatment of unused pension funds and death benefits
The 2027 reforms will shift more responsibility to personal representatives, who may need to manage withholding arrangements and settle any IHT before pension benefits are released.
From 6 April
Agricultural and business property relief changes
Agricultural and business property relief changes that were first announced at Autumn Budget 2024 will come into effect from 6 April 2026. These measures will introduce significant reforms to Business
Inheritance Tax and CGT relief for national heritage assets
Certain buildings, land, works of art, and other objects of national significance may be exempt from Inheritance Tax and Capital Gains Tax (CGT) when they are transferred to a new owner. This
