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Inheritance Tax for Business Owners: How Business Relief Works After April 2026
Business Relief, formerly known as Business Property Relief (BPR), gives 100% inheritance tax relief on the first £2.5 million of qualifying business and agricultural property per person, and 50% reli…
Is It Too Late for Inheritance Tax Planning in Your 70s?
Inheritance tax planning in your late 70s is later than ideal, but it is not too late. Several of the most useful exemptions under the Inheritance Tax Act 1984 apply immediately and carry no seven-yea…
How Does Inheritance Tax Apply to Buy-to-Let Property?
Yes, buy-to-let property counts as part of your estate and is taxed at 40% above your available nil-rate band, exactly like any other asset.
How Do You Protect Your beneficiary’s Inheritance From Their Divorce?
A discretionary trust is the most reliable way to protect your beneficiary's inheritance from a future divorce, because the trustees that are not your beneficiaries, hold legal title to the assets.
LLPs for property landlords: splitting rental income with your spouse and children
A limited liability partnership (LLP) lets property landlords share rental profit by agreement rather than by fixed ownership shares, moving income to a spouse or adult child on a lower tax rate. It w…
Already Gifted Money to Your Children? Five Things You Can Still Do to Protect It
Once you have gifted money to your children, you cannot reverse the gift (unless that person chooses to give the money back to you), but you can still protect both its tax position and the money itsel…
Can the Gifts Out of Normal Income Exemption Still Be Used in 2026, and How Long Will It Last?
Yes. The gifts out of normal income exemption remains fully available in the 2026 to 2027 tax year, with no monetary cap. It survived the Autumn Budget of 26 November 2025, which left lifetime gifting…
Should You Consider an Annuity Before Pensions Fall Into Your Estate in April 2027?
Buying an annuity can take your pension out of your estate, but it is rarely the right move for tax reasons alone. From 6 April 2027, most unused pension funds and pension death benefits count towards…
Hybrid Annuities Explained: How They Combine Income With Inheritance Tax Relief
A hybrid annuity is a blended retirement income strategy that pairs a guaranteed annuity with retained pension drawdown. From 6 April 2027, most unused pension funds and pension death benefits will si…
Putting Pension Death Benefits Into Trust: Does It Still Reduce Inheritance Tax After 2027?
Putting pension death benefits into trust can still reduce inheritance tax after 6 April 2027, but only in specific cases. The 2027 reform brings most unused pension funds and lump sum death benefits…
Estate Planning During Divorce: What You Can (and Can’t) Do Before the Settlement Is Final
Until the final divorce order is issued, the law still treats you as married. Your existing will, joint tenancies, beneficiary nominations, and the inheritance tax spouse exemption all remain in force…
Pre-April 2027 Pension Checklist : Six Decisions to Make Before Pensions Enter Your Estate
From 6 April 2027, most unused pension funds and pension death benefits will form part of your estate for inheritance tax.
Why the £175,000 Residence Nil Rate Band Disappears for Estates Over £2 Million
The residence nil rate band tapers by £1 for every £2 your net estate exceeds £2 million, and disappears entirely at £2,350,000 for an individual or £2,700,000 for a couple.
Can You Add More Money to an Existing Trust Without Restarting the Seven-Year Clock?
Yes, technically you can add money to an existing trust without restarting the original seven-year clock. However, should you do it? No, normally we would suggest you shouldn't. As when you die HMRC l…
Your Home Is in Your Spouse’s Name Only: Can You Still Claim the £175,000 Residence Allowance?
Yes, in most cases the £175,000 residence allowance can still be claimed when the family home is in your spouse’s name only. The allowance, known as the residence nil-rate band (RNRB), attaches to a q…
What Happens to Your Inheritance Tax Plan If the £325,000 Allowance Becomes a Lifetime Limit?
The £325,000 nil-rate band currently sits as a death-only threshold, with separate rules covering most lifetime gifts. If a future Budget converts it into a lifetime limit, every gift you make during…
Discretionary Trust vs Disabled Person’s Trust: The Tax and Benefits Difference
A discretionary trust gives your trustees full flexibility to choose how and when to distribute assets among a group of beneficiaries.
How Disabled Trusts Work and the Key Benefits for UK Families
A disabled person's trust is a UK legal structure that holds money or property for a disabled beneficiary without affecting their means-tested benefits.
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