We will establish your IHT liability and provide recommendations to mitigate the tax. As Chartered Financial Planners we have a cautious approach and use approved schemes that do not exploit the greyer areas of tax law.

For those who are unsure what they will pay, Inheritance Tax is calculated as follows:

• Single or divorced: 40% of your estate over £325,000
• Married, in a civil partnership or widowed: Up to £650,000
• The IHT allowance is set to increase each year by CPI from April 2021 onwards

From 6th April 2017, there will be a new main residence allowance enabling the value of your family home (potentially up to £1m) to pass to your direct descendants. This will come in the form of an additional IHT allowance of £100,000 per individual rising each year to £175,000 from April 2020.

IHT planning has many subtleties to consider and we offer highly qualified Chartered Planners throughout Leicester, with the expertise to bring confidence to your long term planning. Where appropriate we will work closely with your existing professional advisers to find the most beneficial solution for you.

Annual exemptions and reliefs You can take advantage of the annual exemptions and reliefs available. These include the annual allowance of £3,000, the small gifts allowance of £250, gifts in consideration of marriage and gifts to charities.

Making direct gifts Gifts can be made direct to beneficiaries. Whilst this will potentially (after seven years) reduce your estate for tax purposes, you will no longer have access to these monies.

Making gifts into Trust There are numerous types of Trusts available and may include the ability to retain some access to either income or capital should this be required in the future.

Investing in Qualifying Shares e.g. Alternative Investment Market (AIM) There are qualifying investments for tax planning, such as AIM shares. Certain shares qualify for Business Property Relief (BPR) and these would benefit from full relief against Inheritance Tax when held for a period of two years.

Gifts out of Surplus Income It is possible to make gifts out of surplus income. There are various criteria for assessing the exemption and it is important that the gifts are made out of taxable income and that the gifts do not affect your normal standard of living.

Contact Boolers today if you are looking for inheritance tax planning advice. Our financial advisers in Leicester will establish your IHT liability and advise you based on your needs and the current tax rules, to help reduce your IHT liabilities.