Neil MacGillivray: Simplifying IHT (Part 1) - The winners and losers

OTS’s second report

clock • 4 min read

In the first half of his analysis of the OTS's report on simplifying IHT, Neil MacGillivray warns that while the proposed changes are not as radical as many had predicted, they could still have a major impact on planning

A year and a half after then-chancellor Philip Hammond wrote to the Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) asking it to review the UK's inheritance tax (IHT) system, the office's second report - entitled Simplifying the design of IHT - has finally been released. The OTS's first report focused on feedback from its consultation and on ways of simplifying the administration of IHT. This new report, however, covers proposed changes to the tax itself and, while the changes are not as radical as many had predicted (if adopted), advisers need to be aware of the major impact they could it have on IH...

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