Inheritance tax planning, London
Explore how we can help with the legal protection and management of your wealth and assets.
Contact our teamAt Moore Barlow solicitors in London, we understand the importance of preserving your hard-earned assets and ensuring your loved ones receive their rightful inheritance.
Our expert team of solicitors specialise in Inheritance Tax Planning, helping individuals and families in the city of London to navigate the complexities of tax law while maximising the value of estates. With our tailored solutions, you can rest assured that your wealth will be passed on efficiently and tax-effectively.
What is inheritance tax planning?
Inheritance tax planning, is a financial strategy aimed at reducing or mitigating the tax liability that may arise when passing on assets and wealth to the next generation or beneficiaries. This process involves careful and strategic management of one’s estate to ensure that as much of it as possible is preserved for heirs and loved ones.
How inheritance tax planning works
Inheritance tax planning typically begins with a full audit of your estate, including property, investments, pensions, and business interests. We then assess your tax exposure and explore reliefs and exemptions applicable to your situation. Strategic tools can include trusts, life insurance policies written in trust, business property relief claims, and family investment structures. Planning is most effective when started early, giving you time to make structured transfers of wealth over time.
Why inheritance tax planning is important
Without proper planning, inheritance tax can significantly reduce the value of your estate, impacting your beneficiaries. With property prices rising and thresholds remaining largely unchanged, many estates fall within the scope of IHT. Planning not only preserves more wealth for future generations but also reduces administrative burdens for your loved ones at a difficult time.
Our collaborative approach
We work closely with your accountants, financial planners, and wealth managers to ensure every angle is considered in your inheritance tax plan. This collaborative method results in a cohesive strategy that aligns your personal, financial, and business goals—offering clarity and long-term security.
Why choose us?
When selecting our inheritance tax planning solicitors in London, you’re choosing a team of experts with a deep understanding of the intricacies of inheritance tax laws and the diverse financial landscape this area of law, all in a location that is convenient to you. Our solicitors in London are well-versed in tailoring tax-efficient strategies that align with your specific goals, whether you’re a city professional or a long-time resident. We provide personalised guidance and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that your assets are protected, and your loved ones receive the maximum benefit from your legacy.
At Moore Barlow, we hold several important accreditations that reflect our commitment to excellence in inheritance tax planning. We are accredited members of STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners), a global professional body that ensures its members are the most qualified and experienced in the field of trusts and estates. Our team also includes legal professionals recognised by Chambers High Net Worth and The Legal 500 for their work in private client law, offering peace of mind to those with complex estate planning needs. Unlike many firms, we take a proactive and personalised approach, working alongside financial advisers and accountants to deliver an integrated tax-efficient solution for every client.
How we can help
Our inheritance tax planning solicitors in London can provide invaluable assistance in navigating the complex realm of inheritance tax. We will work closely with you to develop tailored strategies that minimise your inheritance tax liabilities while ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes. With our expertise in London’s unique financial landscape, we can help you protect your wealth and provide for your loved ones, all while complying with tax regulations.
Our services encompass a wide range of legal support areas including the drafting and structuring of tax-efficient wills, advising on the use of trusts to mitigate inheritance tax, and managing lifetime gifting strategies. We can assist with setting up family investment companies, asset protection strategies, business property relief, and agricultural property relief. Additionally, we offer support on domicile and residency tax considerations, working seamlessly with your financial advisers to deliver bespoke solutions that address your specific circumstances.
Our team of private wealth solicitors
Who we help
Our inheritance tax planning solicitors in London can assist a diverse range of clients, including city professionals, long-time residents, and individuals with complex financial situations. Whether you have substantial assets to protect or simply want to ensure a tax-efficient transfer of your estate, our expert team is here to provide tailored solutions to meet your needs and goals.
We work with a diverse array of clients including high-net-worth individuals, family business owners, entrepreneurs, professionals across the financial services and technology sectors, and foreign nationals with UK assets. Whether advising a tech founder looking to optimise their estate before an exit or supporting agricultural landowners in structuring their assets for generational wealth transfer, our tailored strategies are designed to meet the specific needs of each client. We also regularly assist trustees and executors navigating complex family dynamics and multi-jurisdictional estate planning.
Contact us
If you’re seeking expert advice on inheritance tax planning in the heart of London, look no further. Our dedicated team of solicitors is here to help you navigate the complexities of estate taxation. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at our London office, conveniently located in the city centre.
We have offices in London, Richmond, Southampton, Guildford, Lymington and Woking and offer specialist private wealth legal services to clients nationwide. Contact Moore Barlow to find out how we can help you and your family.
Contact our private wealth team
Frequently asked questions: Inheritance Tax Planning
What is the current inheritance tax threshold in the UK?
The standard inheritance tax threshold is £325,000. This is known as the nil-rate band. Any estate worth more than this may be subject to inheritance tax at 40%. However, additional allowances, such as the residence nil-rate band, may apply depending on your circumstances.
How can I reduce my inheritance tax liability?
Inheritance tax liability can be reduced through several methods, including lifetime gifting, setting up trusts, utilising tax-free allowances, and making charitable donations. Strategic estate planning can ensure your wealth is passed on in the most tax-efficient way.
What is the difference between a will and a trust for inheritance tax planning?
A will outlines how your assets are distributed after your death, while a trust can manage and protect assets both during your lifetime and after. Trusts can offer greater tax efficiency and control, especially for complex estates or vulnerable beneficiaries.
Can I use a trust to avoid inheritance tax?
While trusts can help reduce inheritance tax, their effectiveness depends on how they’re structured. Certain trusts can move assets out of your estate, reducing its overall value for IHT purposes. However, they must comply with legal and tax rules to be effective and compliant.
What happens if I don’t plan for inheritance tax?
If you do not plan ahead, your estate could be liable for a significant inheritance tax bill, potentially reducing the amount left to your beneficiaries. Effective planning ensures your assets are passed on according to your wishes and in a tax-efficient manner.
