Gifts with reservation of benefit
Gifting assets can cut inheritance tax, but traps like “gifts with reservation of benefit” may undo the plan.
The majority of gifts made during a person’s lifetime are not subject to tax
Unused pension funds and IHT from April 2027
From 6 April 2027, new measures first announced in the Autumn Budget 2024 will come into force. These changes will bring most unused pension funds and death benefits into the scope of Inheritance Tax
Trusts and Income Tax
Trustees must manage assets, follow tax rules, and register with HMRC where required.
A trust is a legal arrangement in which a trustee, either an individual or a company, is entrusted with managing
Who can claim the IHT residence nil rate band
With the Residence Nil Rate Band (RNRB), families can pass on up to £1 million without IHT
The RNRB is an additional £175,000 Inheritance Tax (IHT) allowance that applies when a person’s main
Estate valuation for IHT purposes
Before probate begins, you must estimate the estate’s value to see if Inheritance Tax applies. This includes valuing the deceased person’s money, property and belongings in order to determine if
Current Inheritance Tax thresholds
Married couples can pass on up to £1 million tax-free if they plan their estates carefully.
The Inheritance Tax (IHT) nil-rate band is currently £325,000. This means there is normally no IHT to pay
IHT Agricultural and Business Property Relief changes confirmed
Despite intense lobbying by the farming community, the proposed reduction in IHT Business and Agricultural Property reliefs are included in the draft Finance Bill 2025-26.
On 21 July 2025, the
IHT Unused Pension Funds and Death Benefits changes
It was confirmed with the publication of the draft Finance Bill 2025-26 that measures first announced in the Autumn Budget 2024 to bring most unused pension funds and death benefits into the scope of
Double Tax Conventions and IHT
Double tax on estates can still hit families hard, even with treaties in place. When someone dies with ties to more than one country, their estate may face inheritance tax in both jurisdictions.
Current IHT gift reliefs
Lifetime gifts can reduce Inheritance Tax, but survival for seven years and using key exemptions like the £3,000 annual allowance are crucial to making them fully tax-free.
Most gifts made during a