Inheritance Tax Planning
Inheritance Tax Planning
Inheritance tax can significantly impact the wealth you pass on. Our inheritance tax planning is designed for high-net-worth individuals and families who seek discreet, structured, long-term solutions to preserve estate value and ensure more reaches beneficiaries.
What we do
- •Comprehensive IHT exposure assessments and estate reviews
- •Strategic planning using trusts, business relief, and gifting strategies
- •Residence nil-rate band optimisation and allowance planning
- •Business relief and agricultural relief planning
- •Cross-border IHT planning for international families
- •Regular reviews to ensure planning remains effective
Who it's for
- •Individuals and families with estates above nil-rate band thresholds
- •Business owners seeking business relief planning
- •Property investors and those with complex asset structures
- •Anyone seeking to minimise inheritance tax exposure in a structured way
Common scenarios
Estate exceeding nil-rate bands
Strategic planning to utilise reliefs, exemptions, and structures to reduce potential IHT liability while maintaining control and flexibility.
Business asset protection
Business relief planning to protect the value of business assets from IHT and ensure smooth succession.
Property portfolio planning
Optimising residence nil-rate band usage and structuring ownership to minimise IHT exposure.
How it works
- Initial discussion to understand your estate, objectives, and timeline
- Assessment of current exposure and available reliefs and allowances
- Recommendation of structures and strategies aligned with your goals
- Implementation with legal and tax coordination as needed
- Ongoing reviews to keep planning effective as circumstances and law change
Knowledge Drops
Short, high-level insights to help you navigate key inheritance tax considerations before taking specialist advice.
Understanding inheritance tax allowances
UK inheritance tax allowances can materially change your projected liability, particularly where the nil-rate band and residence nil-rate band apply together.
Why it matters: Knowing which allowances may apply is often the first step to structuring an estate efficiently.
The 7-year gifting rule
Certain lifetime gifts may fall outside your estate if specific conditions are met over time, but outcomes depend on timing and structure.
Why it matters: Poorly timed gifting can miss expected tax outcomes and create avoidable complexity for families.
Frequently asked questions
What is inheritance tax and when does it apply?+
Inheritance tax is a tax on the estate of someone who has died. It typically applies at 40% on the value of your estate above the nil-rate band (£325,000) and residence nil-rate band (up to £175,000). Various reliefs and exemptions may apply depending on your circumstances.
How can I reduce my inheritance tax liability?+
There are various legitimate planning strategies available, including trusts, gifting, business relief, agricultural relief, and other structures. The most effective approach depends on your circumstances, assets, and objectives. Professional advice can help identify suitable strategies.
When should I start inheritance tax planning?+
Early planning is recommended, ideally 5–10 years before you expect the planning to take effect. Even if you start later, there may still be valuable opportunities. Professional advice can help identify options.
What is business relief and how does it work?+
Business relief can provide 50% or 100% relief from inheritance tax on qualifying business assets. The business must meet HMRC criteria and assets must have been owned for at least two years. Professional advice is essential to confirm eligibility.
Can I give away assets to reduce IHT?+
Yes. Gifts to individuals may be exempt if you survive seven years, and there are annual exemptions and other reliefs. The rules are complex and professional advice is recommended.
How does the residence nil-rate band work?+
The residence nil-rate band gives additional relief (up to £175,000) when passing a residence to direct descendants. It is subject to conditions and may be tapered for estates above £2 million.
Do I need to review my IHT planning regularly?+
Yes. Regular reviews are recommended when circumstances change: property purchases, business growth, family changes, or legislation. Annual reviews help keep planning effective and aligned with your objectives.
What if I have assets outside the UK?+
UK inheritance tax can apply to UK assets even if you are not UK resident, and may apply to worldwide assets if you are UK domiciled. International planning requires careful coordination and professional advice.
Next steps
Explore our tools with calculators and quizzes to help you assess your situation.
Learn more about how we work.
Disclaimer
For UK consumers only. Tardi Group Ltd is not FCA authorised as a firm. Tardi Group Ltd is not authorised or regulated by the FCA. Information is general and not personal advice. Personal recommendations (where applicable) only after full review and signed client agreement. We may work with FCA-regulated advisers where required.