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

The Conservative IHT family home pledge and the behaviour it may reward

The Conservative IHT family home pledge and the behaviour it may reward

'Taxation raises revenue. It also changes behaviour, sometimes as intended, sometimes not'

Tony Müdd
clock 12 October 2026 • 5 min read
The tax levers advisers should watch – whatever the Budget brings

The tax levers advisers should watch – whatever the Budget brings

Rather than any single flagship measure, several tax ideas keep resurfacing in the Budget debate, from property reform and a possible return of CGT indexation relief to taxing middle earners more. Michael Edwards sets out the levers advisers should have...

Michael Edwards
clock 09 October 2026 • 3 min read
Conservative party pledges to axe IHT on family homes

Conservative party pledges to axe IHT on family homes

Couples would also be able to pass on £1m tax free

Sophia Panayi
clock 07 October 2026 • 2 min read