Incorporating IHT with other legal aspects

Inheritance Tax Law often overlaps with other legal aspects including Family Law, Probate, Trusts and Property. Our specialist Inheritance and Tax Solicitors are also highly trained in these other aspects and can therefore provide a full service to you and your family.

FAQs

Does IHT apply if you leave everything to your spouse or civil partner?

Assets left to a surviving spouse or civil partner are exempt from Inheritance Tax; however, once they die, their estate may be liable to Inheritance Tax. We can advise you on making the most of your Inheritance Tax ‘allowance’ by using a Trust that still allows your surviving spouse to benefit and provides more to be passed onto family after their death.

Can I give away assets during my life to reduce the amount of IHT due after my death?

You can, but if you die within seven years of this gift, Inheritance Tax may be due on all or part of its value. You also cannot continue to benefit from a gift, so for example, gifting your house to a relative but continuing to live there means the house will still fall into your estate for Inheritance Tax purposes. Inheritance Tax rules can be quite complicated; therefore, it is advisable to seek expert advice.

When and how do I pay Inheritance Tax?

Inheritance Tax is due six months after the end of the month of death and begins to incur interest after this time. Usually, Inheritance Tax has to be paid first, and if there aren’t enough cash assets in the estate, the representatives may have to take out a loan to pay this. There are some cases where Inheritance Tax can be paid in instalments, but these will also incur interest.

Is Inheritance Tax applicable to everything I own?

There are some assets that carry relief from Inheritance Tax, and it can depend on how long you have owned an asset before you die. We can advise on any potential reductions during the Inheritance Tax planning process.

How can I avoid Inheritance Tax?

There are several options with regards to Inheritance Tax, depending on the assets you have, what you will need for the rest of your life and who you would like to benefit from your estate. We will discuss your wishes and all the options available during the planning process.

How we can help

At Simper Law, we work with our clients on a step by step basis, ensuring that we fully understand your situation and help you to plan as early as possible.

Please call us now on 01603 672222 for a no-obligation conversation today or Click Here To Make An Online Enquiry.