Inheritance Tax specialist advice and planning

We help individuals, families, business owners and landowners reduce unnecessary Inheritance Tax . We help plan how to pass your wealth to the next generation, while protecting your assets and reducing tax.

Inheritance Tax can be complex. Our Inheritance Tax specialists provide straightforward advice to help you understand how Inheritance Tax works and how to reduce tax on your estate.

 

Why choose David Howard for your Inheritance Tax planning?

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    Comprehensive coverage. From lifetime gifting and trusts to business reliefs and life assurance, we cover all inheritance tax reliefs to maximise savings.

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    Tailored inheritance tax planning. Every estate is different. We design strategies based on your personal assets and family situation.

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    Direct access to experts. Speak to Partners and Managers who understand your goals. No delays, no gatekeepers.

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    Up-to-date tax knowledge. We keep on top of the latest legislation, including the 2025 inheritance tax threshold changes.

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    Collaborative approach. We coordinate with your solicitors, financial advisors, and other professionals to deliver seamless advice.

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    Proactive communication. Receive regular updates and explanations so you’re never in the dark.

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What is Inheritance Tax?

Inheritance Tax (IHT) is a tax charged on the value of your estate when you die. It is normally charged at 40% on the part of your estate above the available tax-free allowances.

Your estate can include property, savings, investments, business interests, vehicles and valuable possessions, less certain debts. 

How much is Inheritance Tax?

The standard Inheritance Tax rate is 40%. You can leave up to £325,000 without paying tax. This is known as the 'nil rate band'. 

So if your estate is worth £500,000 then you pay tax on £175,000. So the tax bill would be 40% of £175,000. That said, there is normally no tax to pay if either: 

  • The value of your estate is below £325,000 
  • You leave everything over £325,000 to your spouse/registered civil partner (and he/she is domiciled in the UK) or to charity.
  • The 40% rate is reduced to 36% if you leave at least 10% of the net value of your estate to charity in your will.

Inheritance Tax accountants with 50+ years experience

We work with you to protect your estate and reduce your Inheritance Tax liability with our 50+ years experience as Chartered Accountants.

Who Can Our Inheritance Tax Services Help?

Our IHT advice is crafted to fit your plans and family circumstances. 

 

IHT for business owners

Business owners need to consider both their personal estate and the value of their business when planning for Inheritance Tax.

We can help you consider:

Business Property Relief and whether your business interests qualify
Business and ownership succession
The valuation of business assets
Lifetime gifting and trusts
How your estate could affect the future of the business
Exit and succession plans

IHT for farmers and land owners

Land and agricultural assets can form a significant part of an estate, making specialist IHT planning particularly important.

We can help you understand the availability of Agricultural Property Relief and other relevant reliefs, alongside succession, ownership and gifting options.

IHT for Individuals

We help individuals plan how their wealth should pass to the next generation while taking account of family circumstances and their own financial needs.

This can include reviewing:

Lifetime gifts and trusts
Available allowances and exemptions
Property ownership
Pensions and death benefits
Marriage, divorce and blended family arrangements
Provision for vulnerable beneficiaries
Charitable giving

 

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What are the benefits of planning for Inheritance Tax?

Good IHT planning can help reduce the tax your estate may pay and give your beneficiaries greater certainty about what they will receive.

It can also help you make decisions about your wealth during your lifetime, rather than leaving everything to be dealt with after your death.

The right approach depends on your circumstances, so we focus on practical planning that fits your wider financial and family plans.

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    Providing a stronger inheritance for your loved ones

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    Fewer surprises further down the line

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    Greater control over how your wealth is used during your lifetime

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    Peace of mind that your plans are in place to help your loved ones receive what you intend

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How UK Tax Legislation changes affect your estate

From April 2026, new limits on relief for business and agricultural assets changed estate planning. From April 2027, unused pension funds will also become subject to inheritance tax.

Key Dates for Inheritance Tax Changes

From April 2026: New limits on relief for business and agricultural assets

Estates only receive 100% IHT relief on the first £2.5 million of qualifying agricultural or business assets. Above this, relief drops to 50%, giving an effective tax rate of 20%.

The £2.5m allowance applies per person and can be transferred between spouses and civil partners. 

From April 2027: Changes to pensions and death benefits

Unused pension funds are currently exempt from Inheritance Tax. From April 2027, they'll count as part of your estate and may be taxed.

Experience that spans decades

Our clients share why they continue to trust us with their business

An invaluable partner by your side
There is always someone experienced available and I would recommend them 100%



Amira Yehia Director

Our accounts in safe hands
We get on with our business, knowing that our accounts and book-keeping are in very safe hands



Helen Francis Director

Helpful, friendly and jargon free
They are helpful, friendly and jargon free. We have much better control of the business



Trish Carver Director

How David Howard can help you minimise IHT

We offer Inheritance Tax services tailored to your situation. Our Inheritance Tax specialists provide proven strategies suited to your situation. Key methods to lower your IHT liability include:

Lifetime gifting & exemptions

We guide you through the inheritance tax gifting rules UK. Gifts comply with the 7-year rule and exemptions.

 

Trusts & family investment companies

Our inheritance tax specialists set up trusts and manage Family Investment Companies. This optimises reliefs and protects your assets.

 

Property and Main-Residence Planning

We advise on maximising your residence nil-rate band. We help structure property to reduce IHT.

 

Business & agricultural reliefs

We identify opportunities for business inheritance tax reliefs. We ensure assets qualify for maximum relief.

 

Life assurance

We recommend life assurance policies that cover expected tax liabilities.

 

Meet our Inheritance Tax accountants

Our Inheritance Tax specialists have decades of experience in tax planning. We review your position, calculate your exposure and identify practical steps to reduce unnecessary liabilities.

Meet the team >

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Frequently asked questions on Inheritance Tax

Can you reduce the amount of Inheritance Tax you pay?

Yes. There are several ways to reduce a potential Inheritance Tax liability, but the right approach depends on your circumstances.

Options can include lifetime gifting, trusts, available allowances and exemptions, property planning, business or agricultural reliefs and charitable giving.

How is Inheritance Tax paid?

The executors of your estate are responsible for calculating and paying any Inheritance Tax due.

IHT is usually payable within six months of the date of death. Interest will normally apply if tax is paid after the deadline.

Do you need probate if there is a will?

Usually, yes. Probate gives an executor the legal authority to deal with an estate and distribute assets according to the will.

Whether probate is required depends on the assets involved and their value. Some smaller estates may not require probate.

 

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  • Chartered accountants in Surrey
  • Chartered accountants in Surrey
  • Chartered accountants in Surrey
  • Chartered accountants in Surrey

Get expert Inheritance Tax Advice

Book a free consultation with our Inheritance Tax advisors

Our process

1. Initial inquiry

We usually reply within 1 working day

2. Free, no obligation consultation

We'll answer your questions and explain how we can help

3. Quote and setup

We’ll give you a tailored quote. When you’re ready, we begin next steps

 

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