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.
Gifts
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.
Paying Inheritance Tax
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.
Taking preventative action
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.
History lesson
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.
Pension wise
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.
Getting more savvy about saving and spending
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.
Changing financial roles
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.
Shopping around could mean you receive a higher income
Spotlight firmly on people rolling over into the holding provider’s own annuity
The Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) thematic review into annuity purchases has shone the spotlight firmly on people rolling over into the holding provider’s own annuity.
‘Shot in the arm’ for oil consuming economies
Positive impact on earnings, and a small positive impact on dividends
Despite the so far rather negative response of equity markets, the oil price falls could be seen as a ‘shot in the arm’ for oil consuming economies, with many viewing the oil price decline as being deeply beneficial because it amounts to a reduction in input costs and a dividend to consumers.
