Inheritance Tax (IHT) now affects millions of people – and not just the super-rich. Rising house prices and increased personal wealth mean that many of us now have assets in excess of the modest threshold.

 

Inheritance tax is payable on assets in the event of death. The first £325,000 of assets would normally be free of inheritance tax. This is called the nil rate band.

This allowance is also transferable between married couples and civil partners upon death – effectively such a couple have an allowance of £650,000.

In addition to this amount there is also the residence nil rate band. This is an additional £175,000 per person that would be exempt from inheritance tax, and again this is transferable between married couple or civil partners.

Effectively a couple could be able to leave £1,000,000 without tax to pay if they qualify. But there are some exclusions.

Inheritance tax can be complicated but it  can be avoided

Contact us on 01793 686393 for a free, no obligation discussion to pass on more to your loved ones. 

How could your assets be impacted by Inheritance Tax?

In short, in the event of your death, assets in excess of £325,000 could be liable to Inheritance Tax and:

  • Inheritance tax is payable at a rate of up to 40%
  • Giving away your assets before you die may not avoid Inheritance Tax
  • For most UK residents this includes UK and overseas assets
  • Gifting your house while still living there will not avoid an IHT charge

It is possible to reduce or avoid Inheritance Tax in full. Talk to an adviser now on 01793 686393 to find out how 

With good financial advice AND planning ahead, there are a number of ways to reduce your Inheritance Tax liability

Some of these methods include:

  • Using IHT efficient investments
  • Ensuring you have a suitable will in place
  • Making use of all the available allowances and exemptions
  • Gifting assets
  • Using trusts


One way of avoiding inheritance tax yet maintaining access to capital is to take advantage of assets that qualify for business property relief, which takes just two years and allows you access and control.

Find out more about avoiding inheritance tax and business property relief or why business property relief was introduced by clicking here.

If you want to discuss any of the issues or want advice, have a question, or just want to have a chat about it with a UK Qualified Independent Financial Adviser, then phone now on 01793 686393 or contact us online.