United Kingdom: Inheritance Tax

The UK's trust environment has evolved significantly over the past two decades, with increasingly complex reporting requirements and tax legislation transforming what was once straightforward wealth preservation into a compliance-intensive undertaking. Modern trustees face challenges ranging from HMRC enquiries and beneficiary disputes to mandatory Trust Registration Service declarations and international reporting obligations under CRS and FATCA. Proper administration from the outset can mean the differenc

For families with significant assets, deciding how wealth should be held and passed on can be as important as deciding how it is invested.

When drafting or updating your Will, understanding the financial and tax implications can significantly impact how your estate is distributed. From inheritance tax calculations and residence nil rate bands to charitable...

The Finance Act 2026 introduces fundamental changes to how inheritance tax applies to pension death benefits from April 2027, shifting most lump sum payments into deceased members' estates while creating new reporting obligations for personal representatives and scheme trustees. Understanding these changes is critical for pension trustees who must now prepare their administration processes, governance frameworks, and member communications to comply with the new regime.

Trustees and employers should assess how the Act will affect their scheme and start preparations now. While the government's indicative timeline suggests that most of the reforms will not come into force immediately...

The Employee Ownership Trust has emerged as a significant vehicle for promoting broader employee ownership since its introduction in Finance Act 2014.

Autumn Statement kept CGT and IHT unchanged, but APR/BPR relief rises in 2026. A timely moment for Estate, Will and Succession Planning reviews.

Among the array of changes introduced in the Autumn Budget was a development in the relief available when selling a business to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).

Sweeping changes to the inheritance tax (IHT) treatment of pensions and death benefits are on the horizon. From 6 April 2027, under provisions in the draft Finance Bill 2025–26...