What happens when someone dies?

When someone living abroad dies, the rules for paying Inheritance Tax usually depend on: Read the rest of this entry »

Reducing an Inheritance Tax – it’s good to give

A n estate can pay Inheritance Tax at a reduced rate of 36% on some assets (instead of 40%) if 10% or more of the ‘net value’ of their estate is left to charity. Read the rest of this entry »

Assets that pass on free of Inheritance Tax

Inheritance Tax reliefs allow some assets to be passed on free of IHT or with a reduced bill. Read the rest of this entry »

Small gifts that don’t create an Inheritance Tax liability

HM Revenue & Customs allows you to make a number of small gifts each year without creating an Inheritance Tax liability. Remember, each person has their own allowance, so the amount can be doubled if each spouse or registered civil partner uses their allowances. You can also make larger gifts, but these are known as ‘Potentially Exempt Transfers’ (PETs), and you could have to pay IHT on their value if you die within seven years of making them. Read the rest of this entry »

Estimating how much liability you could leave behind for your loved ones

Usually the ‘executor’ of the Will or the ‘administrator’ of the estate pays Inheritance Tax using funds from the estate. Read the rest of this entry »

Reducing your beneficiaries’ potential Inheritance Tax bill – or mitigating it out altogether

With careful planning and professional financial advice, it is possible to take preventative action to either reduce your beneficiaries’ potential Inheritance Tax bill or mitigate it out altogether. Read the rest of this entry »

Inheritance Tax matters

Inheritance Tax was introduced in the UK in 1796 and stemmed from the influence of the French Revolution. The concept of IHT was supposed to protect poorer members of society and interrupt the legacy of inherited wealth. Read the rest of this entry »

Discussing life expectancy as part of your retirement planning is key

P ension Wise, the government’s guidance guarantee service, must discuss life expectancy as part of people’s retirement planning, according to a recent Aviva report. Read the rest of this entry »

Sorting out our finances is high on our list of priorities in 2015

The British population is determined to get more savvy about their saving and spending habits in 2015, with three quarters (76%) of adults admitting they are prepared to moderate their lifestyle, according to a new survey by Standard Life. Read the rest of this entry »

Almost 1 in 5 women are now the main household breadwinner

Nearly one in five (17%) of women claim to be the main breadwinner in their relationship, according to new research commissioned by Scottish Widows to mark its 200th anniversary. Read the rest of this entry »