How much will it cost?
We offer a free first meeting to understand the details of your case and discuss potential routes forward. Before progressing with your case we will always provide a transparent view of costs. In many cases, we’re able to offer a fixed price upfront for our services.
Who pays IHT?
The named Executor in your Will is responsible for arranging the tax payment to HM Revenue & Customs. If you do not have a Will, it is the responsibility of your Administrator instead.
HM Revenue & Customs require IHT liability to be settled within 6 months from the date of death. The payment is usually made from funds within the estate or from the funds raised by selling assets within the estate.
What about the Family Home?
In April 2017 an extra IHT allowance was introduced known at the ‘Residential Nil Rate Band’ (RNRB). This applies when the primary residence (the main home, usually the family home) is passed to direct/lineal descendants.
The RNRB allowance is now a maximum of £175,000 per person and like the NRB allowance, any unused allowance can be transferred to a surviving spouse/civil partner.
This means that married couples/civil partners have a potential tax-free allowance of £1 million.
How to plan for IHT?
There are various ways you can reduce the size of your taxable estate such as:
· Making lifetime gifts
· Using Trusts
· Charitable giving
· Making use of pensions
Most importantly: Make a Will.
Before you consider any other form of IHT planning, it is essential that you have an up to date Will. Making a Will is one of the most important things that you can do to ensure that your estate goes to who you want it to, and trustworthy Executors are appointed.
If you already have a Will, you still might need to take action to ensure that you can benefit from the RNRB. Your Will should be reviewed every 5 years in any event.
Joanna Longfellow
Private Client
Head of Private Client
Direct Dial 01924 387 171
