You want to take steps to reduce your inheritance tax (IHT) exposure but most of your wealth is tied up in your home. But you don’t want to downsize anytime soon, so which tax planning options could help you? Tax Partner, Kenny Adamson, discusses here in this article. Anti-avoidance You are probably familiar with the...

Prior to 6 April 2025, the extent to which someone was subject to IHT depended on their country of domicile. Broadly, ‘domicile’ means one’s country of ‘natural or permanent home’. Finance Act 2025 changed this, such that the scope of IHT now depends on whether or not you are a ‘long-term resident’ (LTR), i.e. an...

Should VAT be charged when renting rent out a desk? Q. A business allows one of its subcontractors to use a desk and chair in its office, they also have use of the communal kitchen and toilets. The subcontractor pays the business a fixed amount each week, irrespective of how much time is spent there....

You are planning to make gifts to your children to reduce the inheritance tax (IHT) burden for your estate. But to achieve this you’ll either need to sell assets to raise the cash or gift them. But how does any resulting capital gains tax (CGT) impact on IHT planning?  Partner and Tax expert Kenny Adamson...

The Chancellor’s action on small business owners and anyone who has pension savings means that it’s more important than ever to take advantage of the lifetime gift exemptions. What are they and when can you use them? Partner and Tax expert Christiaan Hansen, discusses these exemptions.

The Autumn Budget has certainly triggered a lot of questions and concerns from our clients. Particularly from farmers whose estates may now be subject to Inheritance Tax when they die, whereas previously there were good tax reliefs to protect their estates. If you are a farmer and are concerned about how this might affect you...

Trusts can be an extremely useful planning tool for inheritance tax purposes, as well as for family and business succession planning. Partner Christiaan Hansen looks at how trusts and inheritance tax interact as well as outlining the issues and benefits. Tax is one benefit, but preservation of the family assets is another potential advantage of...

You hold the main interest in a family-owned trading partnership and are planning to retire, selling your interest to your adult children. But you have been advised that this could lead to an inheritance tax (IHT) charge?  Partner Kenny Adamson advises. Unincorporated traders Business property relief (BPR) is an extremely valuable tax planning tool. BPR...

You want to reduce the potential inheritance tax (IHT) on your estate. An acquaintance has suggested transferring ownership of your home to your children. HMRC rules say that this does not work if you still live in it. Is there a way to legitimately avoid this the rule?  Find out more from Head of Tax...

Mrs Smith’s mother has recently died. During her final years she lived in a care home and sold her property to pay the fees. Mrs Smith believes she has lost the right to claim the residence nil rate band as a result. What is advised? Head of Tax, Christiaan Hansen advises. Residence nil rate band...