Whilst both finances and death are difficult subjects to discuss, particularly with loved ones, you must take the appropriate steps to ensure your wealth is structured tax-efficiently and your assets documented.
Estate planning is an integral part of your overall financial plan and by involving a professional financial planner, you can help minimise your beneficiaries’ stress during a very difficult time.
How we can help you
If you wish to reduce the tax liability of your estate and leave a legacy for your loved ones, we can help you.
It is important to strike the right balance between your priorities. We will work with you to action a plan that ensures the tax efficiency of your estate, whilst also helping you to leave behind a legacy for your beneficiaries.
There are several areas to consider.
- Allowances and exemptions – restructuring your assets to utilise these effectively will help you mitigate your Inheritance Tax liability.
- Insurance protection – a suitable life insurance or assurance plan can help your beneficiaries pay off any Inheritance Tax liability without affecting the assets you have left for them.
- Gifting – it is possible to gift some assets to your beneficiaries within your lifetime or posthumously.
- Trusts – these can be used to reduce the value of your estate or to ensure that your loved ones use their inheritance according to your wishes.
- Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney – these measures ensure that your wishes concerning your estate are followed, once these are outside of your control. A solicitor will be required to assist you.
Our process
Our expert team take the time to get to know you and your objectives. They will then implement effective estate planning strategies to both minimise your Inheritance Tax liability and ensure you have the freedom to allocate your wealth as you wish.
Your financial planner will continue to review your position throughout your ongoing relationship with us, providing you with the peace of mind that your wealth will be distributed as you intended. If you feel comfortable, it often helps to involve your beneficiaries and professional advisers (solicitor or accountant) in these conversations, to ensure they are aware of your wishes.
You will be provided with a full breakdown of charges to agree prior to the commencement of any work.
1. Identify
Your financial planner will work with you to identify what you wish to achieve with your wealth in your lifetime and posthumously.
2. Implement
Your financial planning support team will carry out thorough research to implement the best estate planning solutions into your bespoke financial plan.
3. Review
If featured in your service agreement, your financial planner will periodically discuss your circumstances with you and identify any changes that impact your financial plan.
FAQs
Take a look at the frequently asked questions below to find out more.
Inheritance Tax (IHT) is charged dependent on the value of the deceased’s estate. It is paid following death; however, gifts made during your lifetime are also considered.
The exact amount depends on the value of your estate but is payable above the Nil Rate Band (NRB) – which is currently £325,000.
If your spouse or civil partner dies before you, any unused amount of NRB can be transferred to you by the executors of your estate. Therefore, you could potentially leave £650,000 of your estate free from Inheritance Tax.
This could increase by a further £350,000 (£175,000 allowance for you and your spouse or civil partner) if you leave your residential property to your direct descendants, for example, your children or grandchildren. However, your taxable estate needs to be below £2m for this relief to apply.
If you have a valid will in place, the executor of the will should arrange to pay the tax. Otherwise, the appointed administrator of the estate will pay it. Any gifts you have made in your lifetime that have Inheritance Tax to be paid on them will require the recipient to pay this if they are liable to. The tax is paid from your estate to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and must be submitted by six months after your death. After this timeframe, the HMRC will start to charge interest on any outstanding taxes.
Wills form a crucial part of the transfer of wealth as it is a legal document which allows you to dictate how your estate is managed following your death. Without a valid will in place, your estate will be distributed via the rules of intestacy – this may not be in line with your wishes.
The transfer of assets, from one generation to the next.
Useful resources
Take a look at our useful resources below to find out more. Additional content is available via our resource centre.
Intergenerational wealth
Intergenerational wealth is the transfer of assets between generations. Read our guide to find out more.
Your Inheritance Tax (IHT) options
There are several options available that coudl reduce your Inheritance Tax liability. Read our guide for more information.
Why you need a valid will
A will ensures that your estate will be distributed as you intended when you die. Read our article for more information.
The residence nil-rate band
The residence nil-rate band has been frozen at £175,000 until 2028. Read our fact sheet to find out more.
