IHT and Estate Management
Inheritance Tax at 40% on estates above the nil-rate band can significantly erode the wealth you pass on to your loved ones. With careful, proactive planning — making use of exemptions, reliefs, and gifting strategies — the IHT liability can often be substantially reduced or eliminated.
What are the benefits?
Nil Rate Band and Residence Nil Rate Band
Every individual has a nil-rate band (£325,000) and, where a residential property is left to direct descendants, a residence nil-rate band (up to £175,000). Couples can combine these allowances. We ensure these are maximised in your estate plan.
Lifetime Gifting
Gifts made more than seven years before death are generally exempt from IHT. Annual gift exemptions (£3,000 per year), small gift exemptions, and gifts out of normal income can also be used immediately. We design a systematic gifting strategy to reduce your estate progressively.
Business and Agricultural Reliefs
Business Property Relief (BPR) and Agricultural Property Relief (APR) can exempt qualifying assets from IHT at up to 100%. We assess your assets against the qualifying conditions and advise on maintaining or maximising relief.
Trusts and Family Structures
Discretionary trusts, Family Investment Companies, and other structures can be used to move assets outside the estate while retaining some degree of control or benefit. We design bespoke structures appropriate to your family circumstances.
How can Zenus Tax help?
We prepare a full estate IHT analysis, identifying exposure and available reliefs
We design a personalised IHT mitigation strategy using gifting, trusts, and business reliefs
We work with your solicitor to ensure your will and trust documents reflect the plan
We review your position annually and after any Budget changes
Frequently Asked Questions
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Our expert tax advisers tailor smart, compliant strategies that save you money and unlock growth. Ready for a tax game plan built around you?
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