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

Scottish Budget: Mansion tax for £1m properties; Increased income tax thresholds

Scottish Budget: Mansion tax for £1m properties; Increased income tax thresholds

Finance Secretary Shona Robison delivers 2026/27 Budget speech

Jenna Brown
clock 13 January 2026 • 3 min read
UK tax changes for non-residents: The abolition of the dividend tax credit

UK tax changes for non-residents: The abolition of the dividend tax credit

'The key is correctly identifying each category and modelling the two methods side by side'

Tony Müdd
clock 06 January 2026 • 7 min read
Inheritance tax exemption threshold for farmers increased to £2.5m

Inheritance tax exemption threshold for farmers increased to £2.5m

Change takes effect from 6 April 2026

Isabel Baxter
clock 23 December 2025 • 2 min read