Only 17% have put assets in a trust

The survey of 1,010 adults reveals 82% are still leaving their assets outside a trust, despite the government introducing changes to inheritance tax (IHT) rules in March. Moreover, of those with a trust, 56% have not sought legal or financial advice relating to this trust since changes in legislation were announced. Julie Hutchison, national development specialist – estate planning at Standard Life, says following the March 2006 Budget many people with existing trusts will find the tax rules applying to their trust are not those originally envisaged, leading to some unexpected IHT bills...