John Humphreys: Planning for IHT changes - great or small

Post-OTS recommendations

clock • 5 min read

At some point in the near, mid or distant future, the rules for inheritance tax (IHT) might change a little bit, moderately, substantially or not at all, John Humphreys confidently predicts.

You may recall that recently-replaced chancellor Phillip Hammond requested the Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) review IHT in January 2018. Earlier this month, it published its final report into the tax, noting that there are many areas where IHT "is either poorly understood, counter-intuitive, requires substantial record-keeping, creates distortions, or where the application of the law is simply unclear". Perhaps not surprisingly, it also reported an unprecedented level of engagement into its review, including a submission from myself, which resulted in a meeting with the OTS at White...

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 on pensions 'horribly complex' for personal representatives

IHT on pensions 'horribly complex' for personal representatives

Concerns raised about meeting the six-month deadline

Isabel Baxter
clock 12 November 2025 • 6 min read
WBR Group launches IHT calculator ahead of rule changes

WBR Group launches IHT calculator ahead of rule changes

Will provide three-stage estimation of a client’s potential IHT liability

Sahar Nazir
clock 12 November 2025 • 2 min read
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