Inheritance tax is no longer just a concern for the very wealthy; from 6 April 2027, planned changes to pension taxation could bring many more estates into the IHT net.

Currently, most UK-registered pension schemes sit outside your estate for IHT purposes, making pensions one of the most tax-efficient ways to pass on wealth. However, under the new rules, most unused pension pots and death benefits will become subject to IHT.

For individuals with defined contribution pensions - including SIPPs and SSASs - the impact could be significant.

That means now is the time to review your estate planning strategy.

Escape the Tax Net with Effective IHT Planning provides practical, accessible guidance to help you understand the rules and identify opportunities to reduce your potential IHT liability before the changes take effect.

Inside this eBook, you’ll learn about:

• The 2027 pension and IHT changes and who will be affected
• Reviewing and changing pension beneficiaries
• Preserving the residence nil rate band
• Using discounted gift trusts effectively
• How life insurance can support IHT planning
• Practical steps to help protect family wealth

Whether you are planning for your own estate or advising clients, this guide will help you prepare for the changing IHT landscape and take action while planning opportunities remain available.

Table of contents

Introduction

1. Overview of IHT in the UK

1.1. How is IHT charged?

1.2. Isn’t there a tax-free amount?

1.3. How do transfers between married couples work?

1.4. Haven’t I left it too late?

1.5. Are there non-tax reasons for making gifts in my lifetime?

2. Determining the nil rate bands

2.1. How much of the estate is covered by nil rate bands (NRBs)?

2.2. Who’s entitled to the NRB?

2.3. Can unused NRB be transferred?

2.4. What if there’s been more than one marriage?

2.5. What’s the residence nil rate band (RNRB)?

2.6. Who’s entitled to the RNRB?

2.7. What’s a direct descendant?

2.8. Can unused RNRB be transferred?

2.9. What about spouses that died pre-6 April 2017?

2.10. What if a property has been sold?

2.11. How can I maximise the RNRB?

3. Making IHT-efficient investments

3.1. How can certain investments help?

3.2. What conditions must be met to qualify for BPR?

3.3. What is relevant business property?

3.4. Who can invest?

3.5. Are there any other tax benefits to these investments?

3.6. What about my private pensions?

3.7. Is income tax payable on an inherited private pension?

3.8. What about defined benefit pensions?

3.9. Are there products that can save IHT quickly?

3.10. What about life insurance?

4. IHT-efficient lifetime gifts

4.1. Don’t I have to survive seven years for lifetime gifts to be exempt?

4.2. Should I keep records?

4.3. What are gifts out of surplus income?

4.4. What conditions need to be met?

4.5. How can I evidence that gifts are affordable etc?

4.6. How much can be gifted?

4.7. What’s the impact of gifts made outside these exemptions?

4.8. What counts as a gift?

4.9. What are the consequences if I die within seven years?

4.10. Isn’t there a relief for failed PETs?

4.11. How do I determine the value of non-cash gifts?

4.12. Should I gift assets that qualify for business property relief (BPR)?

5. Capital gains tax and other considerations

5.1. Is there a capital gains tax (CGT) charge on death?

5.2. When is it better to pay CGT?

5.3. When is it beneficial to obtain the CGT uplift instead?

5.4. What about CGT between spouses?

5.5. Can the CGT uplift apply to spouses?

5.6. Can I gift an asset and continue to use it?

5.7. Is there a legitimate way to get around the gift with reservation rules on the family home?

5.8. Is there anything else I can do with the main home?

5.9. Could I sell the property and gift cash to the children?

5.10. Could I sell an asset to my children as an alternative?

5.11. What’s the impact of loaning or borrowing money?

6. Planning tips for individuals who are not long-term UK resident

6.1. Why is residence important for IHT?

6.2. What are UK situs assets?

6.3. What if I become LTR?

6.4. Can I leave the UK to avoid IHT?

6.5. What can I do before becoming LTR?

6.6. What about transfers to my spouse?

6.7. What is the election?

6.8. Is it worthwhile?

6.9. Is there anything else to keep in mind?

7. The death estate and post-death planning

7.1. What happens to the assets on death?

7.2. What is probate?

7.3. When is the IHT due?

7.4. How can I ensure my will is IHT efficient?

7.5. Isn’t there a 36% rate of IHT?

7.6. Is there anything I can do if someone has died and their will is not IHT efficient?

8. Appendices

8.1. Appendix 1 - Location of property

8.2. Appendix 2 - HMRC guidance on inheriting a private pension