Minimising clients' IHT liabilities: Where there's a will there's a way

There are ways to mitigate an anticipated inheritance tax bill

clock • 4 min read

Richard Burgess explains why clients should have a will in place to avoid what could be hefty IHT liabilities...

Despite deluges of rain, the calendar says that spring has finally arrived. Traditionally, the start of the new season is the time to arrange one's financial affairs by way of a ‘spring clean'. Too frequently overlooked during such an annual tidy-up is whether one has completed a will and if it is up to date. In a recent poll commissioned by Canda Life, the most commonly cited reasons for not having a will in place include: thinking that the value of their assets does not warrant one; and believing that they have plenty of time to see to it. Another reason for not having a will may be...

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

HMRC to rake in £100m from a million late tax returns

HMRC to rake in £100m from a million late tax returns

An estimated one million did not file on time

clock 04 February 2026 • 4 min read
HMRC sends crypto IHT 'nudge' letters to advisers

HMRC sends crypto IHT 'nudge' letters to advisers

Reminded to include cryptoassets in IHT returns

clock 03 February 2026 • 3 min read
The time is now to prepare for IHT tax shifts in 2027

The time is now to prepare for IHT tax shifts in 2027

'The introduction of IHT on pensions represents a fundamental shift in wealth transfer planning'

James Floyd
clock 03 February 2026 • 4 min read