For financial advisers, estate planning is about helping clients retain some influence over two things they can never fully control: death and taxes. That job is becoming harder as the government introduces a series of measures aimed at raising more tax from accumulated wealth, with changes taking effect in stages, writes Jack Rose
Since 6 April 2026, reforms to Business Relief have reshaped the inheritance tax treatment of both unquoted shares and AIM shares. Qualifying unquoted shares attract 100% relief up to the new £2.5m allowance, with 50% relief applying above that level, while AIM shares qualify for 50% relief regardless of amount. From 6 April 2027, unspent pensions will be brought into scope for IHT. Alongside these changes to estate planning, advisers are also having to navigate a wider tax landscape that may become less generous in other areas too. This points to a heavier overall tax burden on sever...
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