The rise in UK trust registrations: What advisers need to know

Rise in trust numbers reflects regulatory expansion and growing awareness

clock • 4 min read

Figures suggest families are turning to trusts in growing numbers to mitigate IHT and pass on wealth more efficiently. For IFAs, however, the reality is more nuanced, writes Jemma Hotta

HM Revenue & Customs' latest statistics on trust registrations revealed a rise to 121,000 in the 2024/25 tax year, up from 115,000 the previous year. This has prompted suggestions that families are turning to trusts in growing numbers to mitigate inheritance tax (IHT) and pass on wealth more efficiently. For IFAs, however, the reality is more nuanced. A key driver of the spike is regulatory. Since September 2022, the scope of the UK's Trust Registration Service has widened, bringing many non-taxable trusts into the registration net for the first time. As a result, firms are seeing mor...

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

Costly procrastination: Why inheritance tax is becoming a wider UK problem

Costly procrastination: Why inheritance tax is becoming a wider UK problem

'There is a clear disconnect between awareness and follow‑through'

Hugi Clarke
clock 14 May 2026 • 4 min read
Most millionaires would pay higher taxes to support young people – research

Most millionaires would pay higher taxes to support young people – research

79% willing to pay higher taxes

Sophia Panayi
clock 13 May 2026 • 3 min read
IHT thresholds would be £270,000 higher if they rose in line with inflation

IHT thresholds would be £270,000 higher if they rose in line with inflation

Growing interest in onshore bonds

Isabel Baxter
clock 13 May 2026 • 2 min read