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 Inheritance Tax (IHT) will start from 6 April 2027. This will significantly extend the IHT net,
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 government published draft legislation for Finance Bill 2025-26. The consultation period for the draft
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 if an estate is valued below this threshold. This amount can be higher if you leave everything above
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. Fortunately, the UK has Double Taxation Conventions with several countries to help reduce or eliminate
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 person’s lifetime are not immediately subject to Inheritance Tax (IHT). These are known as
IHT exemption – normal expenditure out of income
Make regular gifts from your income and avoid inheritance tax. If structured properly, surplus income gifts can support loved ones and stay outside your estate without the seven-year survival rule.
Wealthier individuals can benefit from a lesser-known but highly effective IHT exemption for gifts
Changes to IHT from April 2025
From April 2025, Agricultural Property Relief from Inheritance Tax now extends to land under qualifying environmental agreements. This means landowners entering long-term stewardship schemes will not lose IHT relief. From April 2026, a new £1 million limit will apply to combined APR and BPR
Probate waiting times halved
The Ministry of Justice (MOJ), together with HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) and the Minister for Courts and Legal Services, has announced significant improvements in probate waiting times. Probate is a legal process through which a deceased person’s will is validated and is the starting
Gifts exempt from Inheritance Tax
Navigating the intricacies of Inheritance Tax (IHT) can be daunting, but understanding the available gift exemptions and strategic planning can significantly reduce potential liabilities. By effectively utilising annual allowances, small gift exemptions, and planning for special occasions, you can
Tax chores if managing a deceased person’s estate
When someone dies, their personal representative (executor or administrator) must value their estate to determine if Inheritance Tax (IHT) is due. This involves assessing assets, debts, and handling tax obligations throughout the estate’s administration period.
In order to ascertain whether or not