Agricultural and business property relief changes that were first announced at Autumn Budget 2024 will come into effect from 6 April 2026. These measures will introduce significant reforms to Business
Category: Inheritance Tax
UK tax levied on property and money acquired by gift or inheritance (introduced in 1986 to replace capital transfer tax).
IHT treatment of unused pension funds and death benefits
The 2027 reforms will shift more responsibility to personal representatives, who may need to manage withholding arrangements and settle any IHT before pension benefits are released. From 6 April
Inheritance Tax and CGT relief for national heritage assets
Certain buildings, land, works of art, and other objects of national significance may be exempt from Inheritance Tax and Capital Gains Tax (CGT) when they are transferred to a new owner. This
Gifts with reservation of benefit
Gifting assets can cut inheritance tax, but traps like “gifts with reservation of benefit” may undo the plan. The majority of gifts made during a person's lifetime are not subject to tax
Unused pension funds and IHT from April 2027
From 6 April 2027, new measures first announced in the Autumn Budget 2024 will come into force. These changes will bring most unused pension funds and death benefits into the scope of Inheritance Tax
Family Investment Companies (FICs) vs. Trusts - Which Works Best in 2025?
Introduction What is a Family Investment Company (FIC)? Family Investment Companies (FICs) — A Modern Tool for Wealth Preservation A Family Investment Company (FIC) is a private company,
Inheritance Tax & Historic Properties: Reliefs, Risks, and Realities
Introduction - The So-Called “Inheritance Tax Loophole” Recent headlines suggest that owning a listed building, historic estate, or heritage asset could be a way to avoid Inheritance Tax
Inheritance Tax on Pension Savings Before Retirement | CIGMA Accounting London
Inheritance Tax on Pension Savings Before Retirement – UK Rules, Pitfalls & High-Net-Worth Planning Strategies
Discover how pension savings may become subject to inheritance tax—even
Trust Advisory Services in London | HNW Estate & Tax Planning | CIGMA Accounting
Trust Advisory Services in London — Strategic Wealth Stewardship for High-Net-Worth Families
Introduction – Navigating Trusts with Strategic Clarity
In London-s high-net-worth ecosystem,
Chattels, Artworks & Antiques - Inheritance Tax & Capital Gains Planning | CIGMA Accounting London
Chattels, Artworks & Antiques – The Complete UK Tax & Valuation Guide
When it comes to inheritance tax planning in the UK, few areas are as overlooked – yet as valuable – as chattels. These
Trusts and Income Tax
Trustees must manage assets, follow tax rules, and register with HMRC where required.
A trust is a legal arrangement in which a trustee, either an individual or a company, is entrusted with managing
Free Estate Valuation Calculator for Inheritance Tax (IHT) | CIGMA Accounting London
Free Estate Valuation Calculator for Inheritance Tax (IHT) Planning – Instant & Accurate Results
Introduction – Why Estate Valuation Matters for IHT
When someone dies, the estate must be valued
Who can claim the IHT residence nil rate band
Your London Experts in IHT Planning
At CIGMA Accounting, a trusted accounting firm London and specialist tax advisors London, we help families, entrepreneurs, and high net worth individuals secure
Estate valuation for IHT purposes
Before probate begins, you must estimate the estate’s value to see if Inheritance Tax applies. This includes valuing the deceased person’s money, property and belongings in order to determine if
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
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
Current Inheritance Tax thresholds
Test
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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 return for deceased person
Inheritance Tax (IHT) impacts estates over -325,000, with rates of 40% on death and 20% on certain gifts. A 36% reduced rate applies if 10% of the estate is left to charity. Executors must value
Inheritance Tax thresholds and the RNRB
Inheritance Tax nil-rate bands remain frozen until April 2030. Learn how this affects estates, the residence nil-rate band, and planning opportunities to maximise tax-free inheritance for loved
IHT nil rate band reduction for large estates
Married couples and civil partners may be able to pass on up to -1 million of their estate tax-free with the Residence Nil Rate Band. Claiming this transferable allowance could secure your family home
Seven year rule still applies - IHT PETs
There are specific rules regarding the liability to Inheritance Tax (IHT) on gifts made during a person’s lifetime. In most cases, gifts made during a person-s life are not taxed at the time they are
What is a discretionary trust?
A trust is an obligation that binds a trustee, an individual or a company, to deal with assets such as land, money and shares and which form part of the trust. The person who places assets into a
Changes to Agricultural and Business Property Relief
It was announced as part of the Budget measures that the government will reform these reliefs from 6 April 2026. The existing 100% rates of relief will be maintained for the first -1 million of
