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Getting Right IHT Advice London

IHT Advice in London - London Based IHT Advisors

What Is Inheritance Tax?

Inheritance Tax is a tax that may be due on the value of your estate when you die (and in some cases on certain gifts made during your lifetime). Your “estate” usually includes:

  • Your home and any other properties
  • Savings and investments
  • Business interests
  • Life insurance not held in trust
  • Personal possessions such as cars, jewellery and artwork

Inheritance Tax applies to all of your worldwide assets, not just those located in the UK.

The rules can be complex, and they can affect families very differently depending on:

  • Whether you are married, in a civil partnership, spouses, or unmarried
  • How your home and other assets are owned
  • Whether you have children or other dependants
  • Whether you have a valid, up-to-date will

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    The nil rate band is the threshold up to which your estate is not subject to Inheritance Tax. The current nil rate band is £325,000. If the value of your estate exceeds this amount, you may have to pay inheritance tax on the excess.

    Good IHT planning is about making sure your money goes where you want it to go, in a way that is fair, tax-efficient and legally robust.

    Some gifts made during your lifetime are exempt from Inheritance Tax. Exemptions include small gifts of up to £250 per person per tax year, gifts made from surplus income, and potentially exempt transfers. Potentially exempt transfers are gifts that are only taxed if the donor dies within seven years of making the gift.

    The government sets the rules for Inheritance Tax, including exemptions and thresholds.

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    Why Inheritance Tax Advice Matters Especially in London

    London families and individuals are often more exposed to IHT because:

    • Property values can be higher, even for modest homes
    • Many people own more than one property or investment assets
    • Family arrangements can be more complex (second marriages, blended families, unmarried couples, children from previous relationships)
    • There may be international aspects – for example, overseas assets or family members living abroad. Clients with overseas assets or connections may require tailored UK inheritance tax advice to ensure compliance and effective estate planning.

    Without proper planning, your loved ones could face:

    • A larger tax bill than necessary
    • Delays in accessing funds
    • Disagreements within the family if your wishes are not clear

    Careful planning is essential to minimize the tax burden on your estate and protect your family’s wealth.

    Specialist IHT advice in London helps you take control, rather than leaving your estate to chance. Our inheritance tax planning services provide expert guidance and comprehensive support for clients in London, ensuring your needs are met with professionalism and care.

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    How Our London IHT Specialists Can Help

    1. Understanding Your Current Position

    We start by getting to know you. Our team of inheritance tax specialists uses their expertise to provide bespoke advice tailored to your unique circumstances. As part of our service, we conduct a thorough review of your estate and goals:

    • What you own – property, savings, investments, business interests
    • Who you want to provide for – partner, children, grandchildren, other relatives or charities
    • What worries you most – tax, fairness between family members, care costs, protection for a vulnerable beneficiary

    We then explain, in plain English:

    • How IHT is likely to apply to your estate
    • The key risks and opportunities in your current situation
    • The areas where planning could make a real difference

    2. Creating a Clear, Practical IHT Plan

    We help you design an inheritance plan that might include:

    • Well-drafted wills that reflect your wishes and family circumstances
    • Use of trusts where appropriate, to protect vulnerable beneficiaries, manage and protect family wealth, and control when and how funds are used for future generations
    • Life insurance written in trust to help cover future IHT without increasing your estate
    • Gifting strategies during your lifetime, where suitable
    • Thoughtful structuring of how your home and other assets are owned

    Our aim is simple: to help you pass on as much of your estate as possible to the people and causes you care about, in a way that feels right for you. Effective succession planning and holistic wealth management can benefit you by preserving your legacy and ensuring your family wealth is protected for future generations.

    3. Protecting Your Family Home

    For many families, the family home is the most valuable asset – and the one with the most emotional meaning. The family home is often your main residence, and when passed to direct descendants, it may qualify for the residence nil rate band and additional nil rate band, which can significantly reduce inheritance tax liabilities. We can help you explore:

    • How your home is currently owned
    • What happens to it if one of you dies (transfers to a spouse are generally exempt from IHT), or if both of you die
    • Ways to help ensure a surviving partner can stay in the property
    • Options to balance fairness between children and a new partner

    This is particularly important for unmarried couples, second marriages and blended families.

    4. Planning for Business Owners and Landlords

    If you run a business or own rental properties, IHT planning becomes even more important. We can:

    • Review how your business or portfolio is structured
    • Explain how IHT interacts with other taxes and reliefs, including how business property relief may be available to reduce IHT liability on qualifying business assets
    • Work alongside your accountant and solicitor to ensure your business succession plans and IHT planning fit together

    5. Working Alongside Your Other Advisers

    We’re happy to collaborate with:

    • Your solicitor (for wills and legal structures)
    • Your accountant (for tax returns and business planning)
    • Your financial planner (for investments and pensions)

    This joined-up approach helps ensure your IHT plan is practical, robust and aligned with your wider financial strategy.

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    When Should You Seek IHT Advice?

    It’s never “too early” to talk about IHT, but there are certain moments when advice is especially valuable:

    • Buying or selling a property in London
    • Getting married, divorced or separated
    • Starting to live with a new partner
    • Having children or grandchildren
    • Receiving an inheritance yourself
    • Setting up or selling a business
    • Updating an old will or realising you don’t have one
    • Setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney to protect your estate and plan for future incapacity

    The earlier you plan, the more choice and flexibility you usually have.

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    Why Choose Us for IHT Advice in London?

    • Specialist focus – We deal with IHT and estate planning every day
    • Inheritance tax lawyers – Our team includes experienced inheritance tax lawyers who provide specialist legal advice and bespoke services to help you navigate complex tax and legal issues
    • London-based insight – We understand the realities of London property, families and businesses
    • Clear, friendly language – No jargon, no judgement, just honest advice
    • Tailored solutions – Your plan is built around your values, not off-the-shelf templates
    • Personal support – A real person to talk to, not just a calculator or online form
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    Book Your Free IHT Consultation in London

    You don’t have to figure all this out on your own.

    If you’re worried about Inheritance Tax, or simply want to make sure your loved ones are properly protected, we’re here to help.

    Specialist IHT advice ensures your loved ones inherit what you intend without unnecessary tax or complications.

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    why you should consult our London based IHT experts?

    1
    Protect your family
    Protect your family’s inheritance with expert IHT planning tailored to London estates.
    2
    Pass wealth smoothly
    Ensure your wealth passes smoothly to loved ones with clear, professional guidance.
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    3
    Avoid unnecessary tax
    Avoid unnecessary tax by structuring your estate in the most efficient way.
    4
    Gain peace of mind
    Gain peace of mind with a personalised plan for your home, assets and legacy.
    5
    Make confident decisions

    Make confident decisions today with support from specialist IHT advisers in London.

    FAQ

    Do I need Inheritance Tax advice even if I only own one property in London?

    Yes. Even a single property can create an Inheritance Tax liability, especially in London where property values are generally higher. Professional advice helps you understand how the rules apply to your situation and what steps you can take to protect those you care about.

    In many cases, yes. There are a range of planning options that may help reduce tax, such as structuring your estate correctly, using trusts, leaving clear instructions in your will, and making lifetime gifts where appropriate. The right approach depends on your personal circumstances, so it’s best to get tailored advice.

    If you die without a will, UK intestacy rules decide who receives your assets. These rules may not reflect your wishes and can lead to unnecessary tax, delays, and disputes within the family. A professionally written will is one of the simplest and most powerful estate-planning tools available.

    No. Unmarried partners do not have the same legal or tax rights as married couples or civil partners. Without proper planning, your partner may not inherit what you intended, and they may face an avoidable tax bill. If you are in a long-term relationship and not married, seeking advice is especially important.

    The best time to start is now. Whether you are buying a home, starting a family, retiring, or simply getting older, early planning gives you more control and more options. A free consultation with an IHT specialist can help you understand your position and give you clear next steps.