Inheritance Tax
Inheritance tax (IHT) is a tax that is levied on the value of an individual's estate (property, money, and possessions) when they die. In the United Kingdom, IHT is levied at a rate of 40% on the value of an estate above the threshold of £325,000. This means if you have a £1 million estate you could pay up to £270,000 in tax, on money you have already been taxed on.
As you may expect, there are several strategies that can be used to mitigate the impact of IHT on an individual's estate. Some of these include:
Making use of the available exemptions and reliefs: There are several exemptions and reliefs available under the IHT rules that can be used to reduce the value of an estate that is subject to tax. For example, if an individual leaves their estate to their spouse or a charity, they may be eligible for a 100% relief from IHT. This does still leave the estate open to tax upon the spouses death so further estate planning is required.
Giving gifts: An individual can give away assets while they are still alive, which can reduce the value of their estate and thus the amount of IHT that will be payable. However, it is important to note that there are rules around the timing of gifts and their value, and gifts that are given within seven years of death may still be subject to IHT. Proper planning is absolutely essential to make this viable.
Trusts: Setting up a trust can be an effective way of mitigating IHT. Trusts allow an individual to transfer assets out of their estate and into a trust, where they will be held for the benefit of the beneficiaries. This can help to reduce the value of the estate and thus the amount of IHT that will be payable.
Life insurance: Purchasing a life insurance policy with an IHT-specific rider can provide a tax-free cash sum to pay the IHT bill when the policyholder dies.
It is important to note that IHT laws and rules are subject to change, so it is essential to seek professional advice when planning for IHT. An experienced professional can help you to understand the rules and to develop a strategy that is tailored to your specific circumstances. Never take a strategy off the shelf or from a few minutes of Googling, this is an intricate area that requires professional advice that will save you masses of unexpected and unnecessary tax.
It's crucial to remember that IHT planning is a long-term process, and it is important to review your plans regularly to ensure that they are still suitable for your needs. When our partners prepare an estate plan with you they schedule regular reviews and will contact you at key times to ensure the plan is still the best one for your specific circumstances.
In conclusion, Inheritance Tax can have a significant impact on an individual's estate, but there are strategies that can be used to mitigate this impact. It is important to seek professional advice to understand the rules and develop a plan that is suitable for your specific circumstances. Contact us for a completely free consultation to get yourself on the correct path.
