Inheritance Tax Planning

“In this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes”
Benjamin Franklin 1789

There isn’t much that can be done about the former, however Wessex Investment Management can help when it comes to taxation, especially that which is chargeable on death.

Inheritance Tax (IHT) is charged to your Estate upon your death; although in certain circumstances it can be charged during your lifetime. Currently, contrary to popular belief, there are two rates at which IHT is charged to your estate on death; the lower rate is 0%, the higher rate is 40%. The top rate is charged on the value of your estate above what is known as the “nil-rate band” at the time of death.

Whilst throughout life there is little that can be done to avoid income tax and capital gains tax there are opportunities to legitimately reduce the potential liability to inheritance tax.

Unfortunately, inheritance tax is increasingly becoming a concern for many people and not just wealthy landowners or superstars as may have previously been the case. The value of our homes now, more often than not, means that IHT is a consideration for us all.

With careful planning Wessex Investment Management can help guide you through the complexities of inheritance tax planning. Reducing your potential liability doesn’t necessarily mean giving all your money away or involve setting up expensive and complicated offshore trusts. However, inheritance tax planning is a specialist field and requires expert knowledge and on occasion will involve a tax expert working alongside your independent financial adviser.

 Download a PDF copy of our introduction to inheritance tax planning and effective estate planning here.