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Inheritance Tax Advice & Planning

Inheritance Tax (IHT) can have a significant impact on the wealth you leave behind. Our advisers provide clear, expert guidance to help you understand how IHT works - and how to reduce or eliminate unnecessary tax on your estate.

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What Is Inheritance Tax (IHT)?

Inheritance Tax (IHT) applies to the value of your estate that’s passed on when you die. The amount you pay depends on the size of your estate and the available allowances. With the right IHT planning, it’s possible to reduce or even remove the tax owed.

Common Inheritance Tax Allowances & Exemptions

Nil-Rate Band (NRB): £325,000 per person

Residence Nil-Rate Band (RNRB): Up to £175,000 when passing a home to direct descendants

Spousal Transfer: Unused allowances can be transferred to a spouse or civil partner

Gifting Allowances: Up to £3,000 annually without tax

Small Gift Exemption: You can also give up to £250 per person per year to any number of people

Charitable Gifts: Leaving 10% or more of your estate to charity

Gifts Made Over Seven Years: Larger gifts may become fully exempt if you live for seven years after making them.

For full up-to-date guidance on how IHT works, thresholds, rules and allowances visit GOV.UK here

We combine trust planning, life insurance, gifting strategies, pension advice, and estate planning to help you pass on more of your wealth to your loved ones.

How We Can Help You Mitigate IHT

Our holistic approach ensures every aspect of your estate is reviewed to find effective, compliant strategies to minimise your inheritance tax exposure.

Trust Planning

Trusts can be used to protect assets and control how they’re passed on. They can help reduce the taxable value of your estate and ensure your wealth is distributed according to your wishes.

Wills & Estate Planning

Having an up-to-date will is essential to ensure your wishes are followed and assets are distributed tax-efficiently. We work closely with Award Winning Will Writers Legacy Wills.

Inheritance Tax Service

Our dedicated inheritance tax service brings together advice on trusts, life cover, pensions, gifting, and wills - offering a complete plan to help you preserve your wealth.

Check Your Inheritance Tax Liability HERE with Our Free IHT Calculator

Why Choose Beals for IHT Advice

Our goal is simple - to help you keep your legacy in your family’s hands.

Specialist expertise in inheritance tax, estate, and wealth planning

A team that includes Chartered Financial Advisers, recognised for the highest industry standards

Tailored strategies designed to adapt as your goals and family circumstances evolve

Personal, long-term support from advisers who understand both family and business wealth

IHT Blogs & News

Whole of Life Policy vs Investing: Which Is Better for Inheritance Tax Planning? (Single Person Example)

Nil Rate Bands Frozen Until 2031 Inheritance Tax (IHT) Autumn Budget - Why Now Is the Time to Act

Pensions Over £500,000 (500k): What the 2027 Inheritance Tax Changes on Pensions Mean for You

Pensions Over £1 Million (£1M+): What the 2027 Inheritance Tax Changes on Pensions Mean for You

Pension Savings Inheritance Tax Changes 2025

Double Taxation of Pensions: Could You Lose 64% of Your Pension After April 2027?

Understanding Inheritance Tax (IHT)

Navigating Tax Changes: What You Need to Know!

Sudden Wealth - A nice problem to have?

Frequently Asked Questions About (IHT)

What is inheritance tax and how does it work in the UK?

Inheritance Tax (IHT) is a 40% tax on the value of your estate above the £325,000 threshold. It applies to property, savings, and other assets you leave behind. With the right planning - such as trusts, pensions, or gifting - it’s possible to reduce or avoid paying IHT altogether.

How can I reduce my IHT bill in the UK?

You can reduce your IHT bill by using allowances and exemptions, such as the annual £3,000 gift allowance, the residence nil-rate band, and by placing assets into trusts. Life insurance and pensions can also help cover or minimise future liabilities. Our advisers can create a personalised plan to lower your exposure.

What is the best inheritance tax planning advice?

The best inheritance tax planning combines several strategies - like trust planning, gifting, and pension use - all tailored to your situation. Professional, FCA-regulated advice ensures every option is explored and compliant with HMRC rules.

Do I need a trust to avoid inheritance tax?

Not always, but trusts can be a very effective way to reduce your taxable estate. They allow you to pass on wealth while maintaining some control over how and when it’s accessed. The right trust type depends on your goals and family circumstances.

How does life insurance help with inheritance tax?

A whole-of-life insurance policy can be written in trust to provide a tax-free lump sum when you die. This money can be used to pay your IHT bill, ensuring your beneficiaries don’t need to sell assets to cover the tax.

What gifts are exempt from inheritance tax?

You can gift up to £3,000 each tax year without it being counted toward your estate. Smaller gifts and wedding gifts may also be exempt. Larger gifts become fully exempt if you live for seven years after giving them.

Can pensions help reduce inheritance tax?

Yes - most pensions sit outside your estate for IHT purposes, meaning they can be passed on free of inheritance tax. Strategic pension planning can significantly reduce your future liability.

What is an IHT liability calculator and how accurate are they?

An IHT calculator estimates the tax your estate might owe. It’s useful for understanding your potential liability, but professional advice is essential for an accurate assessment since exemptions and trusts can change the result significantly.

What are the current inheritance tax thresholds and exemptions?

The standard nil-rate band is £325,000 per person. There’s also a residence nil-rate band of up to £175,000 if you pass your home to direct descendants. Married couples can combine allowances, meaning up to £1 million of an estate can be passed tax-free in some cases.

How can professional inheritance tax advice help me?

Professional advice ensures you take advantage of every available allowance, exemption, and structure to reduce or remove inheritance tax. We’ll create a personalised plan covering trusts, gifts, pensions, wills, and insurance so your wealth is protected for the next generation.

Speak to an Inheritance Tax Specialist

Ready to take control of your estate and protect your loved ones? Complete the form below to start your personalised Inheritance Tax planning consultation.

Our IHT advisers will review your situation and get in touch with tailored advice to help you minimise liability and pass on more of your legacy.

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