United Kingdom: Inheritance Tax

From 6 April 2027, most unused pension funds and pension death benefits will fall within the value of a person’s estate after they have died, for Inheritance Tax purposes. The total value of an estate will, therefore, increase to include these.

The government is proposing to introduce a new legal obligation for taxpayers to correct errors in tax returns or documents provided to HMRC.

From April 2027, unused pensions will be subject to inheritance tax, but strategic charitable giving from pension assets could significantly reduce tax bills for estates and beneficiaries. This article explores how pension-to-charity donations work, the potential income tax savings, and practical considerations including the role of pension trustees and options for establishing charitable vehicles.

Discover how in-house legal teams are approaching litigation strategy in 2025, from viewing disputes as operational necessities to leveraging alternative funding and managing geopolitical risks. Our comprehensive survey of 81 businesses reveals the evolving priorities shaping legal decision-making across industries.

Changes to inheritance tax rules from April 2027 will bring most unused pension funds into IHT scope, but the underlying tax advantages of holding commercial property through Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs) or Small Self-Administered Schemes (SSAS) remain compelling. Business owners can still benefit from income tax and capital gains tax exemptions on rental income and investment gains, while potentially separating trading businesses from property assets for enhanced retirement planning and wealth d

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Irwin Mitchell provides comprehensive legal news, expert commentary, and industry insights across key sectors. The firm's latest Leading Litigator Report reveals that 69% of General Counsels now view litigation as either an operational necessity or strategic investment, examining how in-house legal teams are navigating alternative funding, AI adoption, and geopolitical influences while managing risk and controlling costs.

For many people, trusts are associated with tax planning or complex family wealth structures. In practice, trusts can be a valuable planning tool in a wide range of circumstances and are often used to provide protection, flexibility and long-term financial support for a range of individuals.

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