Laura Suter: The taxing task of IHT simplification

Two big unknowns

clock • 3 min read

The OTS had a difficult job on its hands balancing the need to simplify complex IHT rules while keeping them fair for consumers and affordable for the government, writes Laura Suter

The long-awaited report on how to simplify the inheritance tax (IHT) system came out this month, and it is not an overstatement to suggest the financial services sector was actually excited to see how the plans to battle through the complex web of rules had panned out. The Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) was tasked with coming up with different ways of fixing the system and making it easier for consumers to understand. Not just consumers would benefit from the changes, however, as the report also revealed there are some areas of the system that are so complex even professionals do not...

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

Octopus' Kristy Barr: Estate planning innovation crucial as govt shifts goalposts

Octopus' Kristy Barr: Estate planning innovation crucial as govt shifts goalposts

Last two Budgets have ‘caused a lot of uncertainty, a lot of disruption’

Jenna Brown
clock 20 January 2026 • 8 min read
Will IHT reforms trigger a pension scam epidemic?

Will IHT reforms trigger a pension scam epidemic?

'People feel that they can trust what they see on social media'

Caitlin Southall
clock 20 January 2026 • 4 min read
Property wealth counts for approaching half of IHT-paying estates in London

Property wealth counts for approaching half of IHT-paying estates in London

Average property value exceeds £862,000

Isabel Baxter
clock 14 January 2026 • 2 min read