IHT planning: A fourth date conversation?

'A whole of life option may often be more accessible than people think'

clock • 5 min read

As IHT rules tighten, advisers need to encourage clients to have "difficult conversations" with their family members if they are to safeguard the wealth and businesses' they worked so hard to attain, writes Edward Durrell

When I first met my wife 10 years ago, talking about inheritance tax (IHT) planning on our first date may have seemed a tad opportunistic; not to mention probably scuppering my chances of securing a second one. This kind of conversation doesn't really pair well with fine wine, oysters and flirtatious small talk, but as it turns out, perhaps not having the conversation was a bigger mistake. Now, we're married with two children and a mortgage, and life suddenly feels a tad more serious; the kind of serious where you make wills and take out insurances to safeguard your family's future sh...

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

Paying IHT on pensions: The potentially 'gruelling' process for personal representatives

Paying IHT on pensions: The potentially 'gruelling' process for personal representatives

'Pension entitlements cropping up much later will cause a big headache for PRs'

Rachel Pinn
clock 25 June 2026 • 12 min read
Turning tax year-end regret into a new tax year opportunity

Turning tax year-end regret into a new tax year opportunity

The most common regret is leaving things too late

Sophie Hall
clock 24 June 2026 • 3 min read
Why does Britain keep shooting itself in the savings crisis foot?

Why does Britain keep shooting itself in the savings crisis foot?

'Private pensions are no longer simply a retirement savings vehicle. They have become a growing source of tax revenue'

James Floyd
clock 24 June 2026 • 4 min read