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

IHT liabilities hit record £7.03bn in 2023-24 tax year

IHT liabilities hit record £7.03bn in 2023-24 tax year

Figures ‘set to accelerate’

Sophia Panayi
clock 30 July 2026 • 2 min read
Advisers urged to review legacy files after Court of Appeal IHT ruling

Advisers urged to review legacy files after Court of Appeal IHT ruling

HMRC is considering its next steps

Isabel Baxter
clock 28 July 2026 • 4 min read
Burnham U-turns on income tax allowance increase suggestion – reports

Burnham U-turns on income tax allowance increase suggestion – reports

Any change would be ‘difficult given the financial circumstances’

Isabel Baxter
clock 22 July 2026 • 2 min read