When our clients have worked hard to build up their wealth, they want the peace of mind that they can pass it on to their loved ones in a tax efficient way. 

Inheritance Tax (IHT) planning can be complicated, but we have a variety of options at our disposal including:

• Gifting
• Whole of life insurance policies
• A range of trust solutions
• Tax efficient investment planning
• Charity donations

Tax Efficiency: 

Reduced Tax Liability: IHT planning allows clients to structure their estates in a way that minimises the potential tax burden on their beneficiaries, ensuring that more of the wealth is passed on. 

Preservation of Wealth: 

Asset Protection: IHT planning strategies often involve legally protecting assets, which can help preserve family wealth for future generations by minimising the impact of taxation. 

Financial Security for Beneficiaries: 

Enhanced Inheritance: IHT planning ensures that a larger portion of the estate is passed on to beneficiaries, providing them with greater financial security and potentially allowing for investments, education, or other endeavours. 

Avoidance of Forced Asset Sales: 

Liquidity Management: Estate taxes are typically assessed in cash, which can lead to the forced sale of assets. IHT planning helps manage liquidity, ensuring that there are sufficient funds available to cover tax obligations without the need for quick asset liquidation. 

Flexibility and Control: 

Strategic Decision Making: IHT planning allows clients to make strategic decisions about the distribution of their assets, ensuring that their wishes are carried out and that the wealth is passed on to the intended beneficiaries. 

Utilisation of Tax Exemptions and Reliefs: 

Maximising Allowances: IHT planning involves taking advantage of available tax exemptions and reliefs. This may include utilising the nil-rate band, residence nil-rate band, and other exemptions to minimise the taxable estate. 

Business Succession Planning: 

Preserving Family Businesses: IHT planning can be crucial for business owners, enabling them to pass on their enterprises to the next generation without a significant tax burden, thereby facilitating smooth business succession. 

Estate Planning for Blended Families: 

Fair Distribution: IHT planning is essential for clients with blended families to ensure a fair and equitable distribution of assets among biological and stepchildren, considering potential inheritance tax implications. 

Philanthropic Goals: 

Charitable Giving: IHT planning can involve incorporating charitable giving strategies, such as establishing trusts or making donations, allowing clients to support causes they care about while potentially reducing their taxable estate. 

Peace of Mind: 

Reduced Stress for Beneficiaries: Proper IHT planning provides peace of mind to clients, knowing that they have taken steps to minimise the financial burden on their loved ones and have planned for the smooth transfer of assets. 

It's important to note that clients should seek professional advice tailored to their specific circumstances. 

The value of an investment with St. James's Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds selected and may fall as well as rise. You may get back less than the amount invested.

The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from taxation, can change at any time. The value of any tax relief is generally dependent on individual circumstances. 

Trusts are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.