Govt hints at future IHT reform

Commissioned research into IHT use

Hannah Godfrey
clock • 3 min read

The government has hinted at reforming the current inheritance tax (IHT) system after commissioning research into the complex area.

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) commissioned the research on 22 November alongside the Budget to better understand the motivations, behaviours and attitudes underlying individuals' decision-making process on IHT matters, and the use of reliefs and exemptions. There was a limited understanding of IHT among the interviewees, most were aware of the basic principles of IHT such as the threshold and spouse exemption, but few actually relayed the details of these, and very few were aware of agricultural property relief (APR) and business property relief (BPR). HMRC interviewed 80 people who eit...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Tax planning

Financial planning 'feels like a different environment right now'

Financial planning 'feels like a different environment right now'

Rio Stedford reflects on how advice has changed since last year’s Budget

Isabel Baxter
clock 11 November 2025 • 5 min read
IHT planning: A fourth date conversation?

IHT planning: A fourth date conversation?

'A whole of life option may often be more accessible than people think'

Edward Durrell
clock 11 November 2025 • 5 min read
Trusts: Advisers' IHT on pensions questions answered

Trusts: Advisers' IHT on pensions questions answered

Discretionary trusts, bypass trusts and more

Tony Wickenden & Claire Trott
clock 10 November 2025 • 5 min read