Emma Gadsden: Can IHT be made 'fit for purpose'?

Office for Tax Simplification review

clock • 4 min read

With the Office for Tax Simplification launching a wide-ranging consultation into inheritance tax, Emma Gadsden runs through the various issues likely to be of interest to advisers and their clients

Inheritance tax (IHT) has been around for more than 300 years. In its current form, it replaced the old Capital Transfer Tax, which had been developed with a philosophical basis - to protect the poor by deliberately redistributing inherited wealth through taxation. This January, Chancellor Philip Hammond described the current IHT system as "particularly complex" and asked the Office for Tax Simplification (OTS) to review it. In a letter to the OTS, he wrote: "I would be most interested to hear any proposals you may have for simplification, to ensure that the system is fit for purpose and...

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

Wes Streeting proposes 'wealth tax that works' CGT overhaul

Wes Streeting proposes 'wealth tax that works' CGT overhaul

Labour leadership hopeful outlines CGT reform plans

Jenna Brown
clock 21 May 2026 • 5 min read
IHT on pensions: 'HMRC wants to have its cake and eat it'

IHT on pensions: 'HMRC wants to have its cake and eat it'

IHT on pensions comes into effect in April 2027

Andrew Tully
clock 21 May 2026 • 4 min read
Government consults on 'mansion tax' proposals

Government consults on 'mansion tax' proposals

Deferral scheme and exemptions outlined

Sophia Panayi
clock 19 May 2026 • 3 min read