IHT expected as general election battleground policy as receipts soar

Today’s figures show a £400m increase on what was collected last year

Hope Coumbe
clock • 2 min read

Inheritance tax (IHT) is headed to take centre stage ahead of next year’s general election with HM Revenue & Customs raking in £5.2bn between April and November, new figures show.

Government statistics published today (21 December) mark the final update on IHT for 2023, which has been a bumper year for the controversial tax. The latest £5.2bn recorded means the government take from the tax is officially £400m higher than in the same six-month period last year. "Though Jeremy Hunt opted not to make changes during his latest statement, we are expecting a budget to take place in March during which it could resurface if the Tories view it as a vote winner," said Quilter tax and financial planning expert Shaun Moore. "We will likely see receipts beat the previous ...

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

Safeguarding clients in a world of increasing HMRC activity

Safeguarding clients in a world of increasing HMRC activity

'It is important that financial advisers stay informed and proactive'

Louisa Beciri and Tom Lewis
clock 23 April 2025 • 4 min read
IHT receipts swell to record £8.2bn for 2024/25

IHT receipts swell to record £8.2bn for 2024/25

10% higher than last year, commentators note

Jen Frost
clock 23 April 2025 • 2 min read
HMRC gears up for an increase in criminal investigations

HMRC gears up for an increase in criminal investigations

'Criminal investigations are reserved for the most egregious cases'

John Hood
clock 17 April 2025 • 4 min read