Inheritance tax advice for your family and estate
Estate planning with inheritance tax advice woven in.
I provide inheritance tax advice to homeowners, business owners and families who want to understand how their wealth may pass to the next generation. I am a STEP-qualified private client lawyer with detailed knowledge and experience of tax and trusts. I work personally with clients in the UK and abroad, remotely.
Inheritance tax planning for your circumstances
Your home, business interests, savings, existing gifts and family arrangements all contribute to the picture. I look at your estate as a whole and explain the inheritance tax issues that may arise, together with the options that fit your circumstances and wishes.
Every Estate Planning service includes inheritance tax advice. I do not promise a particular tax outcome. Rules and personal circumstances can change, so I recommend reviewing your plan when your family, assets or wishes change.
Inheritance tax on the family home
The family home is often both a significant asset and a place with meaning for the people who may inherit it. I consider how the property is owned, its value, your will and the people you want to benefit before advising on the possible inheritance tax implications.
The residence nil rate band may provide an additional threshold when a qualifying home is left to direct descendants. It is subject to conditions and may be reduced for larger estates. Who inherits, any trust arrangements and a previous sale or downsizing can affect the position. The home is not automatically exempt from inheritance tax.
Business interests and family succession
If you own a business, I consider your interest alongside your other assets and your plans for the people who depend on it. Ownership, the nature of the business and the terms of your will can all matter when considering the inheritance tax position.
Business relief may be available in some cases, but eligibility depends on the facts and the rules in force. My inheritance tax service does not cover corporate tax advice.
Gifts, wills and trusts
Gifts can affect an estate's inheritance tax position. Some lifetime gifts can fall outside inheritance tax if the person making the gift survives for seven years, but exceptions apply. Giving away a home while continuing to benefit from it can still leave it within the estate for inheritance tax purposes.
I can consider your existing will, gifts and trust arrangements together. A trust is not right for every family, and its tax treatment depends on how it is established and the circumstances.
How I work with you
Your first step is a free, confidential 30 minute conversation. I will listen to your priorities and explain how I would approach your matter. I set out the scope and fee in writing before you instruct me. I handle your matter personally and remotely.
The initial 30 minute conversation is free. A separate Inheritance Tax consultation is charged at £750 per hour plus VAT. Inheritance tax advice is included in every Estate Planning service. I will explain what is included in your proposed work before you instruct me.
Two professional roles
I am a STEP-qualified Private Client Lawyer with detailed knowledge and experience of tax and trusts. I am also a CIArb-qualified Dispute Resolution Professional and a Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (MCIArb), advising on trust and estate disputes.
Sheikh Najam TEP, STEP PPgD (Private Wealth Advice) (CLTI/Oxford), MA (Tax Law) (Londin.), MCIArb
Questions about inheritance tax
Does inheritance tax apply to my home?
Your home may form part of your estate for inheritance tax. The residence nil rate band may be available if its conditions are met, but the result depends on your estate and who inherits.
Can I give my home to my children?
You may be able to give it away, but that does not automatically remove its value from your estate. Continuing to live there or otherwise benefit from it can affect the inheritance tax position. I would consider your circumstances before recommending any step.
Does the seven year rule apply to every gift?
No. The treatment depends on the gift and whether you retain a benefit. Some lifetime gifts may fall outside inheritance tax if you survive for seven years, while gifts into trusts can follow different rules.
Can you advise me if I live abroad?
Yes. I work remotely with UK-connected clients living abroad. The inheritance tax position depends on the facts, including where you and your assets are connected, so I consider your circumstances before advising.
Begin with a private conversation
Arrange a free, confidential 30 minute consultation. Use the Arrange a private consultation form and choose Inheritance Tax advice.
This page is general information, not advice on your own circumstances.