Characteristics of a valid Will

It is important to make a Will to ensure that your estate is divided amongst your beneficiaries in accordance with your wishes. If you do not leave a Will the law decides who inherits the estate. This can result in a distribution of assets that would not have been in...

Transfer of unused IHT nil rate band

The Inheritance Tax residence nil rate band (RNRB) is a transferable allowance for married couples and civil partners (per person) when their main residence is passed down to a direct descendent such as children or grandchildren after their death.  The allowance...

Overview of IHT agricultural relief

There are a number of reliefs available that can reduce liability to IHT. Of most interest to farmers is the Agricultural Property Relief (APR). Relief is available at a rate of 100% or 50% depending on who farms the land and how long the land has been owned. The APR...

Business Relief for IHT

There are a number of reliefs available that can reduce liability to Inheritance Tax (IHT). One of these reliefs is known as IHT Business Relief and is a valuable tax relief for taxpayers with business interests, offering either 50% or 100% relief from IHT on the...

Exempt gifts paid out of income

There is a flexible exemption from IHT for taxpayers who make tax exempt gifts and payments that are paid as normal expenditure out of income. With proper planning this can be a useful tool to enable grandparents, for example, to help pay school fees for their...