Many people want to ensure that the wealth they’ve built over their lifetime is passed on to loved ones as efficiently as possible. With careful planning, it’s possible to reduce the impact of Inheritance Tax (IHT) and make sure more of your estate goes to the people and causes you care about.
Inheritance Tax is usually charged at 40% on the value of your estate above your available allowances. These include:
With rising property and investment values, more people than ever are finding their estates fall into IHT territory, sometimes without realising it. We’ll help you assess your exposure and explore ways to reduce or manage it effectively.
Provides a tax-free lump sum or regular income to your chosen beneficiaries in the event of your death. This can help repay a mortgage, replace lost income, or provide long-term financial support to your dependants.
Regular gifts made from surplus income (rather than capital) can be immediately exempt from Inheritance Tax, provided they are part of a consistent pattern and do not affect your standard of living. This is a highly effective but often overlooked strategy. We’ll help you assess eligibility, structure the gifts appropriately, and keep the necessary records to ensure the exemption is available to your estate.
Trusts can be used to pass on assets while still retaining some control over how they’re used. They can help with IHT planning, asset protection, and intergenerational wealth transfer. We’ll help you understand when trusts are suitable and how they work in practice.
A life insurance policy written in trust can be used to cover any expected IHT liability, providing a lump sum to your beneficiaries that is paid outside of your estate—reducing delays and preserving the value of your legacy.
Certain types of investment (e.g. AIM shares, or Business Relief-qualifying assets) may be exempt from IHT after two years. These can be a valuable planning tool for those with a higher risk tolerance. We’ll help you assess suitability and structure these investments appropriately.
Effective estate planning isn’t about giving everything away, it’s about finding the right balance between passing on wealth and maintaining access or control while you need it. We'll help you explore all options, taking into account your needs today and your intentions for the future.
Estate and IHT planning can be a sensitive area. It often involves personal decisions around family, legacy, and values. We offer thoughtful, objective advice, delivered with clarity and care, so you can plan with confidence and peace of mind.
Oliver Financial Planning
98 Bay Tree Rd, Bath BA1 6NF, UK
Oliver Financial Planning Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial services reference number: 963900.
Our company number is: 13205258. Registered office address: 30 Circus Mews, Bath, BA1 2PW.
Investment Risk Warnings
All investments carry an element of risk, and the value of your investments can go down as well as up, so you could get back less than you invested.
A pension is a long term investment. The fund value may fluctuate and can go down. Your eventual income may depend on the size of fund when accessed, interest rates and legislation.
A Protection plan will have no cash in value at any time, and will cease at the end of the term. If premiums are not maintained, then cover will lapse and you may not be covered if a claim is made
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