Inheritance Tax Planning for UK Families and Business Owners
With the nil-rate band frozen, reliefs restricted, and pensions moving into scope, more estates are liable for inheritance tax than ever before. ABM Chartered Accountants helps you plan ahead so your family keeps as much of your wealth as the law allows.
Protect Your Estate With Expert IHT Planning
Inheritance tax is charged at 40 percent on the value of your estate above the nil-rate band of 325,000 pounds. With the threshold frozen until at least 2030 and property values continuing to rise, more families are being caught by IHT every year. ABM Chartered Accountants helps you use the reliefs, exemptions, and planning opportunities that reduce your liability.
Our ICAEW and ACCA qualified accountants value your estate, maximise your use of the nil-rate band and residence nil-rate band, advise on lifetime gifting, claim Business Property Relief and Agricultural Property Relief under the new rules from April 2026, and prepare the IHT return when needed.
What Our Inheritance Tax Planning Covers
From estate valuation to IHT return preparation, here is how ABM Chartered Accountants helps you plan your estate and reduce the inheritance tax your family will pay.
Estate Valuation
Calculating the current value of your estate to determine whether inheritance tax will apply.
Nil-Rate Band Planning
Maximising your use of the nil-rate band and residence nil-rate band to reduce your IHT bill.
Lifetime Gifting Advice
Advising on gifts during your lifetime to reduce the taxable value of your estate over time.
Business Property Relief
Ensuring your qualifying business assets receive the maximum IHT relief under the new rules.
Trust Planning
Using trusts to protect assets and manage how they pass to the next generation tax-efficiently.
IHT Return Preparation
Preparing and filing the IHT return with HMRC accurately, claiming all reliefs and exemptions.
Keep More of Your Wealth in Your Family
Without planning, your estate could lose a significant portion of its value to inheritance tax. The nil-rate band has been frozen at 325,000 pounds since 2009, while asset values have risen considerably. ABM Chartered Accountants uses every available relief and exemption to reduce the amount your family pays, legally and effectively.
From April 2026, the rules on Business Property Relief and Agricultural Property Relief have changed significantly. The new 2.5 million pound allowance for 100 percent relief, the 50 percent relief above that threshold, and the inclusion of pensions in taxable estates from 2027 make early planning more important than ever.
Inheritance Tax Planning for Families Right Across the UK
Based in Canary Wharf, London, ABM Chartered Accountants provides inheritance tax planning to individuals and families throughout the UK. We advise on estates of every size and structure.
IHT Planning for Every Type of Estate
We advise on inheritance tax for estates containing residential property, investment portfolios, business assets, agricultural land, pension wealth, and family trusts. Whatever your estate includes, our team plans accordingly.
Why Families Choose ABM for IHT Planning
Chartered IHT Specialists
ICAEW and ACCA qualified planning your estate properly.
Every Relief Applied
NRB, RNRB, BPR, APR, and exemptions all claimed.
New Rules Understood
April 2026 changes fully reflected in your planning.
How We Work
Initial Consultation
Set Up and Onboard
Ongoing Support
We provide regular reviews and proactive advice to keep your finances optimised and HMRC-compliant.
Get in Touch Today
Whether you need help with your tax return, payroll, VAT, or business advisory, our qualified UK accountants are ready to provide clear, practical guidance for your specific needs.
Book a Consultation
Fill in the form below and one of our expert accountants will contact you promptly to discuss your accounting and tax requirements.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to the inheritance tax questions we hear most often. Contact our team for guidance.
What is the inheritance tax threshold?
The nil-rate band is 325,000 pounds per person. An additional residence nil-rate band of 175,000 pounds is available if you leave your home to a direct descendant. Together, an individual can pass on up to 500,000 pounds tax-free. Married couples can combine their allowances for up to one million pounds.
What changed in April 2026 for business owners?
From April 2026, 100 percent Business Property Relief and Agricultural Property Relief is limited to a combined allowance of 2.5 million pounds per individual. Above that amount, relief drops to 50 percent, meaning an effective IHT rate of 20 percent on the excess. The allowance is transferable between spouses.
How does the seven-year gifting rule work?
If you give assets away and survive for seven years, those gifts fall outside your estate for IHT purposes. If you die within seven years, the gifts are brought back into the estate but taper relief may reduce the tax. ABM Chartered Accountants advises on the timing and structure of gifts.
Are pensions now subject to inheritance tax?
The government has announced that unused pension funds will be included in the taxable estate from April 2027. This is a significant change that could increase IHT liabilities for many families. ABM Chartered Accountants advises on how to factor this into your estate planning strategy.
Can trusts help reduce inheritance tax?
Trusts can be a useful part of IHT planning, but they have their own tax rules including 10-year anniversary charges and exit charges. The right type of trust depends on your objectives and the assets involved. ABM Chartered Accountants advises on whether a trust is appropriate for your situation.
How much does inheritance tax planning cost?
Fees depend on the size and complexity of your estate and the planning required. A straightforward review costs less than a complex estate involving business assets, trusts, and agricultural property. We offer fixed-fee quotes. Contact ABM Chartered Accountants to discuss your situation.